R.I.P. Swordsman Bob Anderson (STAR WARS And LORD OF THE RINGS)

January 2, 2012RamaNo Comments,

Darth Vader was played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones but did you know that the light saber fights that involved Vader in The Empire Strikes Back wasn’t performed by Prowse?!
The man behind the mask during some of those scenes was none other than Olympic sword master Bob Anderson who according to British Fencing authorities, via EW, has died Monday at the age of 89
Some of his swordfight-choreographing credits also included From Russia With Love, Return Of The Jedi, The Princess Bride, Die Another Day, The Legend Of Zorro, Lord Of The Rings movies
Mark Hamill a.k.a Luke Skywalker revealed in a 1983 interview with Starlog magazine, that Anderson actually did Vader’s fighting

“It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told (director) George (Lucas) I didn’t think it was fair any more,”
“Bob worked so bloody hard that he deserves some recognition. It’s ridiculous to preserve the myth that it’s all done by one man.”

Anderson’s role in Star Wars movies was not initially publicized.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Anderson
Thank you for your contributions to cinema.

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