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He was also swordmaster on The Princess Bride and the Highlander TV series, amongst many, many other credits. He was the very best at what he did and will sorely be missed.
Bob Anderson, an Olympic fencer, film swordsman, fight director and stunt performer passed away at 89 in his native United Kingdom. The AP reports the British Academy of Fencing confirms his Jan. 1 death.
Working with famous players such as Errol Flynn and Antonio Banderas, Anderson's most famous scenes were done nearly anonymously in the Star Wars franchise. He dueled with light sabers in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Anderson was just one third of Vader. James Earl Jones provided the husky voice over, while former weightlifter David Prowse provided the imposing six foot six figure when Vader wasn't involved in a complicated fight scene.
He was nearly 60 by the time he took on the role of Vader, something his co-star Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) praised him for.
The actor was the first to publicly acknowledge Anderson's work in a 1983 interview.
"It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told [director] George [Lucas] I didn't think it was fair any more," Hamill told Starlog magazine. "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."
Before taking on film work, Anderson served in Britain's Royal Marines during World War II, teaching fencing aboard ships while stationed in the Mediterranean. He went on to represent the country in the 1952 Olympics and the 1950 and 1953 fencing world championships.
In the last decade, he worked as sword master on the set of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
He's survived by a wife and three children.
Thanks to Chopsaki for the submission.
He was also swordmaster on The Princess Bride and the Highlander TV series, amongst many, many other credits. He was the very best at what he did and will sorely be missed.
Definitely. He was behind some of the greatest sword fights in cinematic history. I know the Academy Awards always miss some from their Memoriam but they better not skip his accomplishments. R.I.P. Mr. Anderson.
Agree with you Jarrod. The Academy better not forget him. He is a major part of Hollywood history.
From memory he also worked on the Pirates films? RIP to a legendary swordsman.
That cremation scene at the end od Jedi suddenly has more meaning.
R.I.P.
Don't be too surprised if the Academy forgets him...stuntwork has never been given any real attention by the Acadamy.
The Hobbit (2012): Sword Master[4]
Alatriste (2006): Sword Master
The Legend of Zorro (2005): Sword Master
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003): Sword Master
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): Additional Sword Trainer He can be seen speaking on the DVD special edition, 23m 30s into the 'making of' presentation.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002): Sword Master
Die Another Day (2002): Sword Master
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): Sword Master
The Parent Trap (1998): Fencing Consultant
The Mask of Zorro (1998): Sword Master
The Phantom (1996): Sword Master
First Knight (1995): Sword Master
The Three Musketeers (1993): Sword Master
Highlander:The Series (1992-1994): Sword Master
By the Sword (1991): Sword Master
The Princess Bride (1987): Sword Master
Highlander (1986): Sword Master
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977): Fight Arranger (uncredited)
Barry Lyndon (1975): Fencing Coach
Kidnapped (1971): Fight Arranger
Don't Lose Your Head (1966): Fight Arranger (uncredited)
The Moonraker (1958) Fencing Coach
R.I.P