Star Wars actor David Prowse pulls out of public appearances after retiring from life as Darth Vader
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Star Wars fans have flocked to conventions over the years in a bid to meet Darth Vader himself.
But now, David Prowse , the man inside the famous suit, has pulled out of his upcoming public appearances after officially retiring.
The British actor, 72, had previously announced that he would retire from both personal appearances and conventions in January, but has moved the date forward.
It is not yet known why he has decided to bring forward his retirement date.
The news was announced on Facebook page For The Love of Sci-Fi.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
The post read: "Last night we announced the sad news that Dave Prowse is retiring from public appearances and won't be attending For the Love of Sci-Fi 2017. All customers who bought tickets to have their photo with him have been refunded.
"Dave was with us at our sellout For the Love of the Force event in 2015, capturing the attention of news outlets worldwide. Thanks for the memories Dave, may the force be with you and enjoy your well-earned retirement."
Dave's original retirement announcement was posted last month, and said: "It is with regret that I have to inform you that beginning in January 2018, Dave will no longer be doing any personal appearances or conventions due to health problems."
The actor portrayed Luke Skywalker's ominous nemesis in the original trilogy of the sci-fi films, although the character's voice was famously provided by US actor James Earl Jones.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Lucas Films)
He was reportedly nicknamed Darth Farmer by his late Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher, because of his strong West Country accent.
He has been a familiar face on UK television for decades, with roles in Doctor Who in 1972, The Two Ronnies, The Kenneth Williams Show and The Morecambe & Wise Show.
Over the past two years he has also starred in series Mission Backup Earth and Southern Troopers.
In 2014 it was reported that Prowse had been diagnosed with dementia, and he said in an interview with the Daily Mirror that "there's nothing you can do".
(Image: PA)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
With the character of Darth Vader killed off earlier in the Star Wars franchise, Prose had joked: "I would have loved to have done something in (2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens), even if it was just a cameo, but I would probably forget my lines."
Prowse recently appeared in a music video for Shields, a single by Welsh singer Jayce Lewis. He described it as his "final on screen appearance".
His other accolades include being awarded with an MBE in 2000 for service to both charity and road safety, following his road safety ad campaign as the Green Cross Code Man.
Mirror Online has contacted David's representatives for comment.