DAVE Prowse MBE was born on July 1, 1935 in Bristol.
He first made his name as a bodybuilder, weightlifter and then actor and is best know throughout the world for his role as the physical form of Darth Vader.

He was also The Green Cross Code Man (1976-1990) and helped to save thousands of children's lives.

Star Wars: Dave Prowse played Darth Vader in first three Star Wars Movies, Star Wars IV:A New Hope (1977); The Empire Strikes Back, (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983).

For more visit Dave's official web site at:
www.darthvader-starwars.com
Also visit:
www.imdb.com/name/nm0001190/

DARTH VADER legend Dave Prowse appeared as the baddie in the original trilogy, the first three films to be made in the series, Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977); The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983).
His peak height was at 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and he weighed 265 lbs (120 kg).
Although he spoke the dialogue during the production of the films, James Earl Jones overdubbed the character's voice in post-production, something for which Prowse bears some resentment, since he was never told that his voice was not going to be used.
The character has often been voted the greates big screen baddie of them all.
Dave, now 72, said: "Vader's costume in quilted leather and fiberglass, weighed 40lbs and was like a sauna inside. I wore just swimming trunks and a T-shirt underneath.
"And the mask was a nightmare. Once it was fitted I became virtually blind. The tinted eyepieces misted up. So there I was, the most awe inspiring villain in the universe, sweating like a pig and as blind as a bat."
It could have been worse if he had taken the first part offered to him, of big hairy Chewbacca.
Prowse opted to be the main villain. He recalls: "I told George Lucas it's always the baddie that's remembered. He said I made a wise decision as Darth Vader is a villain nobody will ever forget."
Hayden Christensen wore the Vader outfit in the last film, as Anakin Skywalker descended into darkness.
Dave adds: "I was very disappointed not to be asked back. I would have loved to have played the role one last time."
But Vader wasn't his most interesting role.
"That was the Green Cross Code Man - by far the best thing I've ever done and it's given me most satisfaction," said Dave, who visited 700 cities and 2,000 schools over 14-years, reducing road accident figures by over half and saving a quarter of a million children's lives. It earned him the MBE in 2000.

Click on the You Tube video below - to see Dave in action, saving lives, as The Green Cross Code Man!