David Prowse, The Actor Who Played The Original Darth Vader, Dies At Age 85

British actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has died at age 85, his management company announced Sunday.

According to CNN, Prowse passed away after a short illness, his agent Thomas Bowington said. It had previously been reported in 2018 that Prowse was being treated for prostate cancer.

“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,” Bowington Management said via Twitter on Sunday.

Prowse wore the iconic black suit and helmet to play Darth Vader in Star Wars, but legendary actor James Earl Jones voiced the character. It is believed that producers thought Prowse’s West Country English accent was unsuitable for the part.

“May the force be with him, always!” his former agent, Thomas Bowington, said in a statement to the BBC.