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
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