Star Wars Legend Clive Revill Dies at 94: A Hollywood Icon’s Final Farewell
Hollywood has lost another legend.
Star Wars Legend Clive Revill Dies at 94: A Hollywood Icon's Final Farewell
Hollywood has lost another icon. Clive Revill, the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 94. His passing on March 11 at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, followed a long battle with dementia. Revill’s daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed the sad news, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues worldwide.
Clive Revill: A Legendary Career Spanning Over Six Decades
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1930, Clive Revill’s career spanned more than 60 years, leaving a significant mark in both film and television. Though most remember him for his iconic voice work as Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), his talents were far-reaching across multiple genres. Revill’s acting credits also include standout roles in Transformers: The Movie (1986), Batman: The Animated Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Twilight Zone, and Columbo.
Notably, Revill earned a Golden Globe nomination in 1973 for his performance in the comedy Avanti!, starring alongside Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills.
From New Zealand to Hollywood: A Journey Fueled by Passion
Revill’s journey into the world of acting was nothing short of extraordinary. In the early 1950s, after moving to London, he crossed paths with acting legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh during their New Zealand tour. Impressed by his potential, they encouraged him to study at the prestigious Old Vic Theatre School in London. This advice launched his illustrious career, eventually leading him to Hollywood.
The Voice of the Emperor: Clive Revill's Iconic Star Wars Role
While Clive Revill’s career is packed with memorable performances, he is perhaps most cherished for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Revill recalled his experience working on the Star Wars film in a 2015 interview with The McDowell News. “I got a call from director Irvin Kershner, who I’d worked with on A Fine Madness. He needed a voice for the Emperor, who would only appear as a hologram. So I tried it several times, and found it worked best with no emotion whatsoever,” Revill explained.
Though his appearance in the film was brief—lasting just over a minute—Revill’s voice became one of the most unforgettable elements of the Star Wars universe. His portrayal was later replaced by Ian McDiarmid in the 2004 DVD edition, but for many fans, Revill’s haunting delivery remains a cherished piece of Star Wars history.
A Lasting Legacy in Hollywood
Clive Revill’s career didn’t end with Star Wars. In his later years, he remained active, with his final role in the 2016 film The Queen of Spain, where he starred alongside Penélope Cruz. Despite retiring from acting after this role, Revill’s influence continues to resonate through his vast body of work. His versatility as a voice actor and on-screen performer has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow actors alike, many recalling Revill’s kindness, generosity, and his legendary storytelling. Actor David Pressman, who grew up next to Revill, took to social media to describe him as “a legend” and shared fond memories of their time together.
Rest in Peace, Clive Revill: A Voice That Will Never Be Forgotten
Clive Revill’s incredible career, spanning decades, will live on through the countless characters he brought to life. While his voice may have only appeared briefly in The Empire Strikes Back, its impact on the Star Wars franchise—and on pop culture as a whole—is immeasurable.
Rest in peace, Clive Revill. Your voice and legacy will continue to inspire generations of fans.
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