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Beloved Star Wars actor Dave Prowse dies aged 85
Star Wars actor Dave Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original trilogy, passed away following a short illness on Sunday at the age of 85.
Dave wore the iconic Darth Vader suit in the original trilogy from 1977 to 1983 and was reportedly nicknamed Darth Farmer by his late co-star Carrie Fisher thanks to his strong English West Country accent.
The 198cm actor's agent confirmed the news, describing the news as "heart-wrenching", adding it brings "sadness for us and millions of fans around the world" according to The Sun.
Agent Thomas Bowington added: "May the force be with him, always!
"Though famous for playing many monsters - for myself, and all who knew Dave and worked with him, he was a hero in our lives."
Dave's Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill said he was "much more than Darth Vader".
He tweeted: "So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader.
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"Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 time British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man.
"He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #RIP."
Dave landed the role of Darth Vader thanks to his imposing physique while James Earl Jones famously provided the voice of the character.
Director George Lucas reportedly spotted him playing a bodyguard in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange and invited him to audition for Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
The actor was also personal trainer for the late Christopher Reeve, when he starred as Superman.
He represented England in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games in the 1960s before becoming an actor.
Dave was famous in Britain thanks to his role as the Green Cross Code Man, a character used to promote road safety in a campaign aimed at children.
He described the role as the "best job I ever had" and it earned him an MBE in 2000.
The actor is survived by his wife Norma and their three children.
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