David Prowse, R.I.P.

David Browse, the bodybuilder-turned-actor most famous for being the physical presence of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films, died November 28 at the age of 85.

Although most famous as the body of Darth Vader (James Earl Jones did the voice), Prowse often cited his favorite role as the Green Cross Code Man in a series of UK road safety features. His long career often involved him with SF and Fantasy. He trained Christopher Reeve, getting the actor into shape for Superman, played Frankenstein’s Monster (or, “Creature,” as Hammer Studios preferred) more than once– including a comic cameo in the 1967 James Bond spoof take on Casino Royale— and appeared in episodes of Doctor Who and Space 1999. He also appeared briefly in the 1981 BBC-TV adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as Hotblack Desiato’s bodyguard.

May the force be with him.