Bob Anderson brought us much of American swordplay cinema. His credits include Highlander, The Princess Bride, Three Musketeers, Pirates, and more. He also doubled David Prowse as Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Ever since the emergence of Errol Flynn, Hollywood has respected the blade. Swordfights are shot wider and with less cutting, and it’s obvious why. Our culture understands swordfighting (and only recently begun to understand martial arts), and with a man like Bob Anderson behind the action, it’s no wonder these scenes made such an impact. RIP Bob. Here are some of his best works in his memory.
Doubling as Darth Vader
This is sad. Bob Anderson has done so much for swords in film. I would have liked to have met Bob Anderson.
I read about this and said, yet another awesome talent has left us on New Years Day. 🙁 he was the coolest and we’ve been blessed to have his talents on film for us to remember and share for years to come. Thanks for posting, Eric! 🙂