Revealed: The unsung British swordsman who played Darth Vader in THAT lightsaber battle with Obi Wan Kenobi dies

By ANTHONY BOND

Interesting life: Bob Anderson was most famous for donning Darth Vader's black helmet and fighting lightsaber battles in the original Star Wars trilogy - most famously with Obi-Wan Kenobi

The man who played the legendary Darth Vader during fight scenes in the original Star Wars trilogy has died, it has emerged today.
Bob Anderson, 89, was a former Olympic swordsman who worked on many of the best known films of the past seven decades - but very few people are aware of the influence he had on some of our favourite movies
He is most famous for donning Darth Vader's black helmet and fighting lightsaber battles in the original Star Wars trilogy - most famously with Obi Wan Kenobi.

Kept secret: Bob Anderson's role in the original Star Wars trilogy was not initially publicised until it was revealed by Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, in an interview in 1983

Anderson also worked as a sword master or trainer on movies including the James Bond film From Russia With Love, The Legend of Zorro and the first Pirates of the Caribbean film.
He also worked on the Lord of the Rings in which he was responsible for crafting fighting moves for some of the characters.
But it was announced today by The British Academy of Fencing that Mr Anderson died early on New Year's Day.
His role in the original Star Wars trilogy was not initially publicised until it was revealed by Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, in an interview in 1983.

Sad loss: It was announced by The British Academy of Fencing that Bob Anderson died early on New Year's Day

He said: 'Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader’s fighting. It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told George 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.'
The character of Darth Vader was played by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones.
As a competitive fencer, Mr Anderson also represented Great Britain in the 1952 Olympic Games and the World Championships in 1950 and 1953 in the sabre event.

Achievements: Bob Anderson worked as a sword master or trainer on numerous movies including the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, which was released in 2003

Good work: Bob Anderson also worked on the Lord of the Rings films in which he was responsible for crafting fighting moves for some of the characters



source: dailymail