Clive Revill Death and Obituary – Clive Revill, the New Zealand actor renowned for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 94. His death on March 11, 2025, was reported by The Hollywood Reporter and has left a lasting impact on the Star Wars universe. Although most fans associate Emperor Palpatine with actor Ian McDiarmid, Revill’s portrayal of the sinister figure in The Empire Strikes Back laid the foundation for the iconic character that would later be immortalized in Return of the Jedi and the prequel trilogy.
Revill’s involvement in the Star Wars saga began in 1980 when The Empire Strikes Back introduced the galaxy’s most notorious villain, Emperor Palpatine, in a brief but pivotal scene. As a holographic image appearing to Darth Vader, Revill’s portrayal captured the essence of the manipulative and mysterious leader of the Galactic Empire. His voice, though not the face of the character, was crucial in setting the tone for Palpatine’s future role in the franchise.
However, Revill’s portrayal was later replaced by Ian McDiarmid in Return of the Jedi, where the Emperor’s full physical presence was revealed, and McDiarmid went on to embody Palpatine’s more familiar and terrifying form throughout the saga. While McDiarmid became synonymous with the role, Revill’s initial contribution was undeniably significant. His portrayal of Palpatine as a distant, ominous force, known only through his holographic presence, was instrumental in shaping the Emperor’s future in the films.
Though Revill’s appearance as Palpatine was short-lived, it provided a crucial building block for the character’s legacy in the Star Wars franchise. His voice work helped to establish Palpatine’s malevolent and calculating nature, which McDiarmid later expanded upon. The Emperor, portrayed by McDiarmid, would go on to become one of Star Wars’ most influential and terrifying characters, but it was Revill’s contribution that set the stage for that iconic performance.
In addition to his Star Wars role, Clive Revill had a long and varied career in acting. He performed on Broadway, where he earned critical acclaim, and appeared in numerous films and television shows. His talent extended beyond the realm of Star Wars, with notable appearances in works such as The Pink Panther Strikes Again and The Sentinel. Revill also lent his voice to animated productions, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Before his death, Revill had been diagnosed with dementia, and he passed away in a care facility in Sherman Oaks. His legacy, however, is not confined to his work as the Emperor. His voice and performance in The Empire Strikes Back ensured that he would forever remain a part of Star Wars lore, even as the character of Palpatine evolved with time.
Clive Revill’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contribution to Star Wars will live on. Although his time as Palpatine was brief, his influence on the character’s development is undeniable. The Star Wars universe owes much to his early portrayal of the Emperor, and his legacy in the franchise will continue to resonate with fans for generations. Revill’s role in Star Wars solidified his place in cinematic history, ensuring that his memory will remain forever intertwined with the iconic tale of the Galactic Empire.
