David Prowse

David Prowse is a former professional bodybuilder and film actor. He was born in Bristol, England on July 1st, 1935. Prowse distinguished himself on-screen early in the 1960s where he appeared in several horror films produced by Hammer Film Productions, many of which featured actor Peter Cushing. In 1971, Prowse played a small role as a weight-trainer in the Stanley Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange. However, Prowse is best known for his work as the physical actor behind Darth Vader in the original Star Wars film series. Re-uniting with Peter Cushing, Prowse first portrayed the Dark Lord of the Sith in the 1977 movie Star Wars (later given the expanded title of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope). He reprised the role of Vader for Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Archival footage of Prowse's Vader was incorporated into the 1978 television movie, The Star Wars Holiday Special, though Prowse had no direct involvement in the production of that film - a fact he should be proud of.