Clive Revill, Voice of Emperor Palpatine, Passes Away at 94

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — Clive Revill, the renowned New Zealand actor best remembered for voicing Emperor Palpatine in 1980’s “The Empire Strikes Back,” died March 11 at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 94. Revill’s daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed his passing following a battle with dementia.

Revill’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which he showcased his talents on both stage and screen. He made his Broadway debut in 1952’s “Mr. Pickwick” and earned Tony Award nominations for his performances in the musicals “Irma la Douce” and “Oliver!” in the early 1960s.

Known for his versatile acting abilities, Revill appeared in notable films such as Otto Preminger’s “Bunny Lake Is Missing” (1965) and played a variety of roles in television series, including appearances in “Columbo,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Throughout his career, he accumulated approximately 200 film and television credits from 1955 to 2016.

Revill recorded his iconic lines for Emperor Palpatine at a studio in Los Angeles, a decision made by director Irvin Kershner. The famous quote, “There is a great disturbance in the Force,” became a memorable line for fans and added depth to the character during a pivotal moment with Darth Vader.

Although Revill’s voice performance was replaced by Ian McDiarmid in the 2004 DVD release, he remained proud of his contribution to the franchise. In a 2015 interview, he recalled how delighted fans were to hear him recreate his lines, noting instances where they would dramatically react, saying, “People turn white, and one nearly fainted!”

Revill’s talents were not confined to film and television; he was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and left a lasting legacy on Broadway. His impressive body of work included roles in “Kaleidoscope,” “Avanti!” and voice work for “Batman: The Animated Series” as Alfred the butler.

Born Clive Selsby Revill on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, New Zealand, he transitioned from a career as an actuary to acting after being encouraged by legendary actor Laurence Olivier. Olivier’s advice led Revill to study at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, where he overcame initial self-doubts to find his footing in the world of acting.

In addition to his daughter Kate, Revill is survived by his granddaughter Kayla, who carries forward his artistic legacy. His work will continue to be appreciated by audiences through various media platforms that showcase his extensive performances.

Throughout his career, Clive Revill embodied characters of remarkable diversity, contributing to the rich tapestry of cinema and theatre. His unforgettable portrayal of Emperor Palpatine remains a significant part of Star Wars history.