'Darth Vader' actor in the original Star Wars trilogy Dave Prowse dies at age 85

Dave Prowse, the actor who played "Darth Vader" in the original Star Wars trilogy, passed away on Sunday. He was 85.

According to a report on the BBC, Prowse's agent, Thomas Bowington, announced the terrible news, explaining that the actor died following a short illness.

"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." Bowington said.

Credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo

The report said Bowington called the actor's death  "a truly and deeply heart-wrenching loss for us and millions of fans all over the world."

RIP Dave Prowse, Darth Vader & Green Cross Code Man #daveprowse #StarWars pic.twitter.com/mZFXMikWoA

— Peter Markey (@petermarkey) November 29, 2020

Dave landed the role as Darth Vader due to his physique and history as a weightlifter. His character's voice was voiced by US actor James Earl Jones. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News