Darth Vader actor David Prowse dead at 85

2013 file photo of David Prowse, the British actor behind the menacing black mask of Star Wars villain Darth Vader, who died aged 85. Photo: AFP

David Prowse, the British actor best known for playing Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died at the age of 85, his agents have confirmed. Prowse died on Saturday after an illness.

"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 MBE has passed away at the age of 85," Prowse's agents Bowington Management tweeted on Sunday.