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David Prowse battles prostate cancer

Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 1:27 pm
by Cylon-Knight
I saw this on CNN.com and SciFi.com today...

LONDON, England (CNN) -- David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" films, has revealed he is suffering from prostate cancer but is still feeling "fantastic."

David Prowse signs autographs during the opening day of "Star Wars Celabration IV" in Los Angeles in 2007.

1 of 2 Prowse, who wore the black suit and helmet to play the Dark Lord of the Sith, told a British radio station he had been undergoing radiotherapy at a hospital in south London and was helping its fundraising appeal.

"I'm involved with the Royal Marsden Hospital appeal because I'm undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, would you believe," he told Absolute Radio. "I'm having my very last treatment this morning."

"I've had two months' radiotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden. It's the most fantastic hospital you could ever wish to go to."

James Earl Jones did the voice for Vader, Luke Skywalker's father, (and also for CNN promotional links) in the films as Prowse's western English accent was thought to be unsuitable for the part.

Prowse, 73, added he was fighting the disease. "The only thing I've had is hot flushes and my wife tells me I'm going menopausal," he said. "It's amazing what can be done so long as you catch it early."

"Every man over the age of 50 should have a PSA test (a blood test for prostate cancer) and that just gives you some indication of whether you have prostate problems."

Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:31 pm
by Cylon-Knight
I saw an update on Mr. Prowse's health that I'd thought I'd add to this thread:

My brother Bob, 3 years younger than me, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. He is an avid golfer and asked me if there was something we could do to raise funds and awareness for the prostate cancer charity. We came up with the idea of organising a golf tournament - The Dave Prowse/Darth Vader Challenge Trophy - and I would have specially made Darth Vader trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The tournament and the subsequent publicity was instrumental in attracting new members to the club.

My Storm Trooper friends helped me on the day and made it specially enjoyable for the children who came along. We raised over

Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:44 am
by cybertrooper
Good to hear the news that David Prowse is doing well. I personally have only heard good things about him. Apparently a true gentleman.