David Prowse battled coronavirus before his death, his daughter has revealed.
The 85-year-old actor, best known for playing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars franchise, died over the weekend his management confirmed yesterday.
It was said that Prowse had fought a ‘short illness’ before his death and his daughter Rachel has now revealed the actor had Covid-19 and was also previously diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Speaking to The Sun, Rachel said: ‘It’s horrible that Covid restrictions meant we did not get to see him and say goodbye.
Visit our live blog for the latest updates Coronavirus news live
‘But when we went to collect his stuff from the hospital the nurse said what a cool guy he was. He was such a larger-than-life character. He would have loved to see himself trending on Twitter.’
Paying tribute to the Hollywood star, who hailed from Bristol, Rachel added: ‘He might have looked quite scary but as a person he was a sweet, kind and generous man.
‘He really was a gentle giant. And to us he was our dad.’
Confirming the sad news, Prowse’s manager Thomas Bowington said in a statement: ‘It’s with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85.’
He 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.’
Tributes poured in for Prowse with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the sci-fi blockbusters, tweeting: ‘So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader.
‘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.’
Actor Daniel Logan, who played Boba Fett in Star Wars: Episode II Attack Of The Clones, said: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of a #StarWars family member. RIP Dave Prowse.
‘Darth Vader wouldn’t be the same without you in the costume. We had many fun times & laughs at cons together over the years.
‘Glad to have been able to call you a friend. Rest now and be one with the Force!’
Prowse was cast as Darth Vader in 1977 in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy. He received an MBE in 2000 for his role as the Green Cross Code Man, a character used in adverts to teach children about road safety.
The actor is survived by his wife, Norma E. Scammell, who he married in 1963 and three children.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : David Prowse’s career from Green Cross Code Man to Darth Vader as he dies aged 85
0 Commentaires