Darth Vader

The fallen Jedi Anakin Skywalker, turned Sith Lord and enforcer of the Galactic Empire.

Darth Vader is the armoured Sith Lord who serves the Galactic Empire and stands as one of the two main villains of the original Star Wars trilogy. He debuted in the novelization in 1976 and the first film in 1977. The prequel trilogy shows how he began as the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker before Chancellor Palpatine drew him to the dark side of the Force. He is the husband of Padmé Amidala, father of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, and grandfather of Ben Solo, who becomes Kylo Ren. His fall and eventual turn back against the Emperor anchor the saga's family story.

Quick Facts

Series: Star Wars
First: Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker (1976 novel)
Creator: George Lucas
Full name: Anakin Skywalker
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Occupation: Jedi Knight; Sith Lord

Facts from the source article.

Background

Once Palpatine lures him away from the Jedi, Anakin duels his old teacher Obi-Wan Kenobi and is left so badly hurt that he is rebuilt as a cyborg. For more than two decades afterward he hunts the surviving Jedi and tries to stamp out the Rebel Alliance on the Emperor's behalf. In The Empire Strikes Back he reveals to Luke that he is his father. When Palpatine later tries to kill Luke, Vader turns on his master and kills him. George Lucas has said Anakin remains the Chosen One of Jedi prophecy even after becoming Vader. In reshoots for Revenge of the Sith filmed in London in 2004, Lucas reworked the fall so that Anakin turns chiefly to save Padmé from death.

Did You Know?

Prowse was told to say "Obi-Wan killed your father" on set so the twist would not leak.
The name Starkiller was in the script until a few months into filming before Lucas changed it to Skywalker.
In French-language media he is still called Dark Vador.
Orson Welles was considered for the voice before Lucas chose James Earl Jones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who voiced Darth Vader?

James Earl Jones voiced him across the films; he went uncredited at first and was finally credited in Return of the Jedi in 1983.

Where does the name come from?

Lucas has given differing accounts, including a twist on "Dark Father" and the phrase "Dark Water"; a school friend named Gary Vader is another possible source.