British actor David Prowse began weightlifting at the age of 16 and became his country's champion in that field five years later, holding on to the title for two years.

Theatrical producers and filmakers found the imposing Prowse to be an excellent type for supernatural roles; he was cast as Death in the play Don't Let Summer Come.

Following a bit in his first film, Casino Royale (1967), Prowse settled into horror films appearing as the Monster in The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) and Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell (1972).  He also appeared as wheelchair-bound Patrick Magee's foreboding bodyguard in A Clockwork Orange (1971).

Prowse's widest international exposure was for his role as the iconic Darth Vader in Star Wars (1977), Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983).