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Part-time Darth Vader, Bob Anderson, dies at 89

Published: 1/3/2012 6:15 PM

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Some of the most iconic scenes in the original "Star Wars" trilogy were the light saber duels between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, and the unheralded man behind the mask in those scenes recently passed away. Olympic fencer Bob Anderson, who did all the sword work in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," was 89, The Associated Press reports. Despite the important part he played in the film, very few people were aware of his role. The voice of Darth Vader was famously provided by James Earl Jones, and his body work was done by David Prowse. However, during the fight scenes Anderson stepped in. It wasn't until Mark Hamil, who played Luke, broke the news in the early '80s that anybody knew. "David Prowse wasn't very good with a sword and Bob couldn't get him to do the moves," Anderson's former assistant, Leon Hill, told the AP. "Fortunately Bob could just don the costume and do it himself." The "Star Wars" films weren't the only ones where Anderson had a vital role. He also provided sword training to actors in "The Mask of Zorro" and the "Lord of the Rings" movies. Featured Titles: Mask of Zorro Deluxe Edition DVD $10.99 Star Wars Trilogy Blu-ray Disc $47.99

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