Ralph McQuarrie, the artist responsible for some of the most iconic character and spaceship designs in SF movie history, has died at the age of 82. McQuarrie worked on films such as Star Wars, Cocoon (for which he won an Academy Award for his special effects), Close Encounters of the Third Kind and ET.

His conceptual designs whilst working on the original Star Wars trilogy were the basis of some of the film franchise’s best-loved characters such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. Star Wars director George Lucas said that he was saddened by McQuarrie’s passing, calling him a visionary artist and a humble man.

Read the BBC obituary HERE

Bob Anderson, a former Olympic fencer who staged swordfights for films including the original Star Wars trilogy and Lord of the Rings, died on New Year’s Day at the age of 89. He doubled as Darth Vader during light saber fight scenes in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as choreographing sword fights in many other films. His most recent film work was on The Hobbit.

Born in Hampshire in 1922, Anderson served in the Royal Marines during World War II and represented the UK in fencing at the 1952 Olympics and the 1950 and 1953 World Championships.

Read the full news story HERE

Photo (c) Walt Disney Pictures