Darth Vader is a fictional character from the Star Wars universe. He was portrayed by bodybuilder David Prowse and a series of stunt doubles, most notably Bob Anderson, while his voice was supplied by actor James Earl Jones. The character is one of the most iconic villains in film history and was ranked third on American Film Institute's 100 Heroes and Villains list. blank">AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains", _American Film Institute, last accessed October 20, 2005

In the original trilogy, Vader is depicted as the brutal head enforcer of the Galactic Empire's rule across the galaxy. Vader serves as the apprentice of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), using the dark side of the Force to mercilessly pursue the Jedi and the Rebel Alliance to the ends of the galaxy. The prequel trilogy recounts the heroic rise and tragic fall of Vader's former self, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was portrayed by Jake Lloyd and Hayden Christensen in the prequel trilogy, while Sebastian Shaw played the role in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.