Clive Revill, the legendary voice actor known for bringing one of the most iconic villains in cinema to life—Emperor Palpatine in *Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back*—has passed away just weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Revill died on March 11 at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, California, after battling dementia. His daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed the news.
Born on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, New Zealand, Revill’s journey from an accountant to one of the most beloved voices in Hollywood is as unique as his talent. He initially worked in accounting but made an abrupt career change in his early 30s, trading spreadsheets for stage scripts. Revill’s stage debut came in the Broadway production of *Mr. Pickwick* at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (then called the Plymouth Theater), marking the beginning of a long and distinguished career in theater.
Revill’s talent quickly garnered attention, earning him two Tony Award nominations in the early 1960s. His first nomination was for *Best Featured Actor in a Musical* for his role in *Irma La Douce*, though he lost to Dick Van Dyke. Two years later, Revill was nominated for *Best Actor* for his portrayal of Fagin in *Oliver!*—solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer.
While his Broadway career flourished, Revill expanded his presence into television and film, appearing in BBC’s *Sunday-Night Theatre* episodes and in movies like *Kaleidoscope* and *Fathom*, where he starred alongside Raquel Welch. He also appeared in the TV show *The Adventures of Robin Hood* in 1957, showcasing his range across multiple media platforms.
By 1972, Revill earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the film *Avanti!*, but it was his voice acting that would leave an indelible mark on pop culture. In 1980, Revill became part of *Star Wars* history, lending his voice to Emperor Palpatine in *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back*. His chilling delivery of the iconic line, “There is a great disturbance in the Force,” remains unforgettable for fans of the saga. Revill’s voice work in *Empire* would lead to his continued involvement in the *Star Wars* franchise, voicing several characters in video games, including Dodonna in *Star Wars: X-Wing* and an imperial officer in *Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter*.
Revill’s career also spanned the world of video games and animation. He took on notable roles in the *Star Wars* universe, but also voiced characters in *The Hobbit* video game, as well as cartoons like Alfred in *Batman: The Animated Series* and Galeo in *Snorks*. His contribution to voice acting left a lasting impact across multiple generations and media.
Revill’s personal life saw two marriages, both of which ended in divorce, and he welcomed his daughter, Kate, during his second marriage to film producer Suzi Schor-Revill.
Clive Revill’s legacy as a performer, particularly for his voice work as Emperor Palpatine, is cemented in the history of *Star Wars* and in the hearts of fans worldwide. Though he is gone, his unforgettable voice will continue to echo through the galaxy for years to come.
