Clive Revill, the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back, passed away at 94 on March 11, 2025, in Sherman Oaks, California, after battling dementia.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1930, Revill’s career spanned over six decades, encompassing roles in film, television, and voice acting. 

Revill’s journey in acting began when he moved to London in 1950 to study at the Old Vic Theatre School. 

He made his Broadway debut in 1952 with “The Pickwick Papers” and went on to earn two Tony Award nominations for his performances in “Irma la Douce” (1961) and as Fagin in “Oliver!” (1963).

In “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), Revill provided the original voice for Emperor Palpatine, delivering the iconic line, “There is a great disturbance in the Force”

Although Ian McDiarmid later assumed the role in subsequent films and re-releases, Revill’s contribution remains a significant part of “Star Wars” history.

Beyond “Star Wars,” Revill’s versatile career included notable performances in:

• “The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes” (1970)
• “Avanti!” (1972), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination
• Voice roles in “The Transformers: The Movie” as Kickback
• Alfred Pennyworth in “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992)

Revill’s final project was “The Queen of Spain” (2016), starring Penélope Cruz. 

Revill’s legacy endures through his diverse body of work and the inspiration he provided to aspiring actors worldwide.

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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