Bob Anderson

Bob Anderson

Bob Anderson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 3, 2012.
LONDON (AP) - Olympic fencer and movie sword master Bob Anderson appeared in some of film's most famous dueling scenes - though few viewers knew it.

Anderson, who has died at age 89, donned Darth Vader's black helmet and fought light saber battles in two of the three original "Star Wars" films, "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."

Anderson, who worked with actors from Errol Flynn to Antonio Banderas during five decades as a sword master, fight director and stunt performer, died early New Year's Day at an English hospital, the British Academy of Fencing said Monday.

Vader, "Star Wars'" intergalactic arch-villain, was voiced by James Earl Jones and played by six foot six (1.98 meter) former weightlifter David Prowse, but Anderson stepped in during the key fight scenes.

"David Prowse wasn't very good with a sword and Bob couldn't get him to do the moves," said Anderson's former assistant, Leon Hill. "Fortunately Bob could j ust don the costume and do it himself."

The scenes worked beautifully, although Anderson, then nearing 60, was several inches shorter than Prowse.

Few knew of Anderson's role until Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, said in a 1983 interview that "Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader's fighting."

"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."

Robert James Gilbert Anderson was born in Hampshire, southern England, in 1922, and was drawn to fencing from an early age.

"I never took up the sword," he said in an interview for the 2009 documentary "Reclaiming the Blade." ''I think the sword took me up."

Anderson joined the Royal Marines before World War II, teaching fencing aboard warships and winnin g several combined services titles in the sport.

He served in the Mediterranean during the war, later trained as a fencing coach and represented Britain at the 1952 Olympics and the 1950 and 1953 world championships.

In the 1950s, Anderson became coach of Britain's national fencing team, a post he held until the late 1970s. He later served as technical director of the Canadian Fencing Association.

His first film work was staging fights and coaching Flynn on swashbuckler "The Master of Ballantrae" in 1952.

He went on to become one of the industry's most sought after stunt performers, fight choreographers and sword masters, working on movies including the James Bond adventures "From Russia With Love" and "Die Another Day"; fantasy "The Princess Bride"; Banderas action romps "The Mask of Zorro" and "The Legend of Zorro"; and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Fencing academy president Philip Bruce said Anderson was "truly one of our greatest fencing m asters and a world-class film fight director and choreographer."

Hill remembered him as "a splendid man, a great man who gave so much to fencing that can never be repaid."

Anderson is survived by his wife Pearl and three children. Funeral details were not immediately available.

JILL LAWLESS/Associated Press. Jill Lawless can be reached at: http://twitter.com/JillLawless


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Bob Anderson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 2, 2018

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 24, 2012

EM posted to the memorial.

19 Entries

Harry Simpson

January 2, 2018

Godspeed Bob, and thank you for sharing a part of you life with us.

December 27, 2013

For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones (Hebrews 6:10). Bob will never be forgotten for all the work he did for his "Fencing" community and especially those encouraged and inspired in his care. May God continue to strengthen your family in these “times hard to deal with” (2Tim 3:1), especially without a beloved one such as Bob Anderson.

EM

September 24, 2012

To the family of Bob Anderson, please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God grand you all power beyound what is normal at this time. 2Corinthians 4:7

January 8, 2012

A true sword master at his own right. RIP Bob Anderson

Scott

January 6, 2012

Our sincerest condolences on the loss of this extraordinary man. We have been huge fans for years of his skills and he will be sorely missed by all.

Frank Moran

January 4, 2012

A Royal Marine and a master swordsman. It is what as a youth in Scotland, I aspired to become,he was the light that led the way. Moran R.M.

January 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family in their time of grief. At times like these, "God can give us power beyond what is normal," so we can keep going from one day to the next. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Joanna

January 4, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your love one. May the peace of God excels all thought comfort you during this time of sadness. (2Co.1:3,4)

Condolences, Hilda, South Carolina

January 4, 2012

To the the family of Bob Anderson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.

ritch r

January 3, 2012

may the eternal force be with you R.I.P.

Debbie Young-Danis

January 3, 2012

To Pearl and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.

It's been a very long time since you took ceramics in my Mother's studio Pearl, but you've often crossed my mind with fond memories.

Debbie Napier

January 3, 2012

He brought magnificence to scenes from some of my favorite movies. He was a master and shall be missed and mourned.

Justin B

January 3, 2012

May the love of God be with the Anderson family during this sad time. With all due love and respect to David Prowse, I'd like to thank Mr. Anderson for all his work and contributions to the Star Wars saga. The Force will be with you, always!

Y. Sullivan

January 3, 2012

His work can also be seen in another favorite movies of mine "The Highlander"-classic cult movie!! RIP

January 3, 2012

We wish you the very best and pray that the God of all comfort comfort you at this difficult time. 2Cor 1:3,4.

Victoria&Andrew VZj

January 3, 2012

Our CONDOLENCES
TO THE
ANDERSON FAMILY'
STARWARS WAS REMARKABLE
BOX OFFICE DVD PACK
GREAT ERA OF A MOVIE,
THANKYOU BOB
AS WELL AS THOSE WONDERFUL
PLAYERS OF FRIENDS OF THE FAMOUS
MOVIE OF THE PAST STARWARS MOVIE'
WRITTEN DIRECTORS RIGHTS OF ARTS
RIP MR.BOB ANDERSON
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tami B

January 3, 2012

I mourn the loss of another fencer! God Bless and thanks for the great entertainment.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Bob Anderson's name

How to support Bob's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bob Anderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Bob Anderson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 2, 2018

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 24, 2012

EM posted to the memorial.