Clive Revill, the original voice behind Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 94. His daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed that he died on March 11 at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, after a long and difficult struggle with dementia. As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of tributes emerged from fans and colleagues, reflecting the deep admiration many had for the legendary actor and his contributions to film and television.
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1930, Clive Revill embarked on an extraordinary acting journey that would span more than sixty years. Although most popularly recognized for lending his voice to the Emperor in the Star Wars universe, his talent and versatility reached far beyond that iconic role. His career was rich and diverse, marked by memorable performances across film, television, and stage.
Revill’s legacy includes an impressive catalog of roles, such as his voice work in Transformers: The Movie (1986), as well as appearances in Batman: The Animated Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Twilight Zone, and Columbo. His acting prowess was also recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, as he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1973 for his role in Avanti!, a comedy in which he starred alongside Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills.
From a young age, Revill displayed a deep interest in performance, but it wasn’t until a fateful encounter in the early 1950s that his path became clear. After moving to London, he met legendary actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh during their tour in New Zealand. Recognizing his potential, they urged him to pursue training at the prestigious Old Vic Theatre School in England. That recommendation became the catalyst for what would evolve into a remarkable acting career that touched audiences around the world.
Revill’s talents were not limited to a single medium. While his stage presence was lauded in numerous theatrical productions, it was his voice work that made a lasting impression on generations of fans. His portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in the 1980 release of The Empire Strikes Back is still remembered as one of the most chilling and effective uses of voice acting in science fiction history. In an interview with The McDowell News in 2015, Revill shared how he landed the role. “I got a call from the director, Irvin Kershner, who I’d worked with on A Fine Madness,” he explained. “He needed a voice for the Emperor, who would be appearing only as a holographic image. So I tried it several times and found it worked best with no emotion whatsoever.”
Although his performance in the film lasted only a little over a minute, it left a profound impact. The original theatrical version featured his voice in a brief but unforgettable scene with Darth Vader. However, in the 2004 DVD re-release of the film, his voice was replaced by Ian McDiarmid, the actor who portrayed Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi and throughout the prequel trilogy. Despite this replacement, Revill’s portrayal continued to hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans, particularly those who cherished the original 1980 experience.
Revill remained a beloved figure in the science fiction community. He was a frequent guest at comic cons and sci-fi conventions, where fans would line up to meet the man whose voice had once sent chills down their spines. In 2015, he made an appearance at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con, where his warm and gracious demeanor stood in contrast to the ominous voice that made him famous.
His kindness and storytelling ability left an impact not only on fans but also on those who knew him personally. Actor David Pressman shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, reflecting on growing up near Revill and recalling him as “a legend” who was always generous, warm, and full of fascinating stories about his life in the entertainment world.
Revill’s ability to portray a wide range of characters contributed to a career that spanned continents and genres. His voice lent strength to animated heroes and villains alike, while his on-screen performances revealed a deep understanding of both comedy and drama. Throughout his lifetime, he became known as a dependable and compelling presence in every project he joined.
In 2016, Revill officially stepped away from the spotlight after completing his final film role in The Queen of Spain, in which he appeared alongside Penélope Cruz. This last performance was a fitting capstone to a career built on passion, talent, and a tireless commitment to his craft. While his physical presence may no longer grace our screens or stages, the legacy he leaves behind is one of enduring influence and heartfelt admiration.
Clive Revill’s contributions to entertainment are impossible to overlook. His voice helped define one of cinema’s most iconic villains, his performances brought life to countless stories, and his generosity touched those who had the pleasure of meeting him. Even after retirement, his presence remained vivid in the memories of fans, who continued to celebrate his work and the unique impact he had on the world of storytelling.
As the tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Clive Revill’s passing marks the end of an era—but his influence will endure. His work will continue to inspire voice actors, performers, and creators for generations to come. Whether through his unforgettable voice in Star Wars, his award-nominated roles, or his impact on fellow artists, Clive Revill left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Clive Revill. Your talent, voice, and the characters you brought to life will remain etched in the hearts of fans across the globe. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the many roles that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
