A statue of iconic Star Wars character Darth Vader has been anonymously placed in the hometown of David Prowse – the actor and bodybuilding icon portrayed the Sith Lord on screen. Prowse recently passed away at the age of 85, prompting fans worldwide to celebrate his life and legacy. Vader remains one of the most recognizable characters in all of the films, and Prowse’s imposing physical performance was a massive reason as to why.
Born in Bristol, England, in 1935, Prowse began his bodybuilding career at a young age, going on to compete in numerous major competitions, including Mr. Universe. Later he began acting on screen, appearing in films like Casino Royale, A Clockwork Orange, and eventually, Star Wars. It was there that Prowse took on his most iconic role, the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Though Vader’s dialogue was dubbed over with the voice of James Earl Jones, Prowse’s physical performance as the lumbering cyborg was equally as central in creating the legendary villain.
In the wake of Prowse’s death, fans have been taking time to pay tribute. In his hometown of Bristol, a miniature statue of Vader was erected on an empty plinth in the city center overnight, per ITV News West Country. It’s unknown who placed the statue, but their intention seems clear – honoring one of the true greats and the prestigious career he made for himself. Whether or not the statue will remain is unclear, as it was not placed officially by the city. The plinth has been empty since a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was removed during Black Lives Matter protests earlier this year.
Regardless of if the statue stays, Prowse is undoubtedly worthy of recognition in the town he called home. In addition to his turns in the film, Prowse became a household name in England during the 1970s as the Green Cross Man – a superhero character who appeared in public safety videos promoting pedestrian road safety among children. Prowse played the character as recently as 2014 – a testament to his dedication and impact.
While his face may be less famous in the U.S. than in England, Prowse will remain an inspiring figure worldwide. Darth Vader has never been the same without him in the suit, but the gravitas and thrall he brought to the role will stay with it in perpetuity. If Vader's statue is taken down in Bristol, perhaps a statue of Prowse himself will one day stand in an official capacity, paying homage to a man who was as much a public servant as he was a vital piece of the Star Wars universe.
Source: ITV News West Country