Clive Revill, the legendary actor who brought the sinister Emperor Palpatine to life in the iconic film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 94. Revill died on March 11, 2025, at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, after a long battle with dementia. His daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Born on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, New Zealand, Revill's illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which he became a celebrated figure in both stage and screen productions. He is best known for voicing Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back, a role that established him as a prominent figure in the Star Wars franchise. In a pivotal scene, Revill’s character ominously tells Darth Vader, "There is a great disturbance in the Force," a line that has echoed through pop culture ever since.
Revill's journey into acting began in the early 1950s after a chance encounter with acting legends Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, who were touring New Zealand. Impressed by his talent, they invited him to study drama at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, England. Revill embraced this opportunity, transitioning from a career in accounting to the performing arts.
His Broadway debut came in 1952 with Mr. Pickwick, and he quickly made a name for himself in theater. Revill received two Tony Award nominations: one for his role as Bob-Le-Hotu in the 1961 musical Irma la Douce, and another for portraying Fagin in the 1963 production of Oliver!. His stage work was marked by versatility, allowing him to play a range of characters across various genres.
In addition to his theater accolades, Revill's film career flourished with notable appearances in films like Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965) and The Legend of Hell House (1973). He also earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Carlo Carlucci in the comedy Avanti! (1972), which starred Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills.
Revill's voice acting extended beyond Star Wars. He lent his voice to Alfred Pennyworth in the acclaimed animated series Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 and voiced characters in the Transformers movie (1986) and video games like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and Star Wars: The Old Republic. His ability to bring characters to life through voice alone earned him a dedicated fan base, and he continued to work in the industry until his retirement.
Despite his fame, Revill remained humble and approachable. In a 2015 interview with The Spectrum, he shared his experience of reciting the Emperor's line to fans, saying, "They come up to me, and I tell them to get close and shut their eyes. Then I say [in the emperor’s haunting voice], 'There is a great disturbance in the Force.' People turn white, and one nearly fainted!" His ability to connect with fans showcased his warmth and charisma.
Revill's passing has left a significant void in the entertainment community, with tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. Actor David Pressman shared a heartfelt message on social media, reminiscing about Revill's kindness and storytelling ability. One fan noted, "Sad to read that Clive Revill has died. An extraordinary career, but to me unforgettable in The New Avengers – Dead Men Are Dangerous, a great, heartbreaking episode where he superbly embodies two of the series’ most distinctive recurring themes…"
Throughout his life, Revill faced challenges, including moments of self-doubt early in his acting career. He once recalled, "I had my doubts at one point when I thought, 'I can't do it. I can't do this. I can't find it within myself.'" However, with guidance from mentors, he found his footing and went on to achieve great success.
Clive Revill leaves behind a rich legacy, not only as the voice of one of cinema's most iconic villains but also as a versatile actor whose contributions to theater, film, and television will be remembered for generations. He is survived by his daughter Kate and granddaughter Kayla, who will undoubtedly carry forward the cherished memories of his remarkable life and career.
In a world where the impact of storytelling is profound, Revill's work continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of performance and the lasting influence of beloved characters. As fans bid farewell, they celebrate a life well-lived and a career that inspired many.
