Bob Anderson

Biography

Robert James Gilbert Anderson, known as Bob Anderson (September 15, 1922 – January 1, 2012), was the swordmaster who played Darth Vader in his various fight scenes in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He replaced David Prowse due to the actor's tendency to break lightsabers. Because of the height differences—Anderson was 6'1" (1.85m), while Prowse was 6'7" (2.02m)—Anderson's scenes were filmed from a lower angle to make him seem taller, or he stood on some small stilts or wore platform shoes. Anderson also played Rebel Officer Trey Callum during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. Anderson later did swordfighting choreography and training for films such films as the...