Next person biography:
David Prowse was born on July 1, 1935, in Bristol, England, to a working-class family. He never knew his father and was raised by his mother. As a child, David struggled in school and found solace in bodybuilding and weight training. He became a competitive weightlifter and won the British heavyweight title, earning respect within the fitness community.
Prowse's career in film and television began in the late 1960s, with roles in Casino Royale and A Clockwork Orange. He went on to star in numerous Hammer House of Horror films and the Green Cross Code Man, a superhero designed to teach road safety to children.
In 1977, Prowse auditioned for the role of Darth Vader in the film Star Wars. Despite initial reservations, he insisted on playing the lead villain, citing his experience playing villains in previous films. Prowse played Vader for the entirety of the original trilogy, although he does not voice the character.
Prowse's relationship with Star Wars and its staff has been marked by controversy, with rumors of mistreatment and a feud with George Lucas. Despite this, he has continued to work in the industry, appearing in films and television shows, and touring as the Green Cross Code Man.
Prowse has also written fitness books, trained actors, and supported charity. He has undergone treatment for prostate cancer and arthritis, and has undergone hip replacement surgery. In 2000, he was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to charity and road safety.
In recent years, Prowse has attended unofficial Star Wars events and conventions, signing photos and speaking to fans. He has also written an autobiography, "Straight from the Force's Mouth," which covers his career and documents his experiences on the set of Star Wars.
