Former weightlifter and famous British actor Dave Prose has died at the age of 85.

This was reported by his personal agent, Thomas Bowington:

“We are deeply saddened to announce to both our and millions of fans that our client Dave Prose has died at the age of 85,” said Thomas Bowington.

This British actor is best known to the audience for his role in the original Star Wars trilogy: he played one of the most cult anti-heroes – Darth Vader.

Getty Images/Getty Images Entertainment/Carlos Alvarez

Dave Prose was a famous bodybuilder who often played the role of monsters or antagonists in various projects. Director George Lucas invited him to cast the roles of two characters, Vader and Chubaka, for Star Wars films, though Prose stopped short of choosing Vader. When asked why, he replied: “Everyone remembers the criminal more.”

Born in Bristol in 1935, David Prose has had a very successful sporting career as an actor: he has won three national championships in the UK three times.

It is true that he had the greatest success in the role of Vader, but he was most proud of the title of Green Cross Man, with which he was involved in the campaign for safe travel in Britain. Because of this he was awarded the British Honorary Award in 2000.