Clive Revill: A Celestial Talent Remembered
Clive Revill, the acclaimed New Zealand actor whose illustrious career included a stint on Broadway, memorable film roles, and the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away at the age of 94. His daughter, Kate Revill, confirmed that the esteemed artist died on March 11 at a care facility in Sherman Oaks, California after battling dementia.
Distinguished Career Highlights
Revill’s remarkable versatility allowed him to navigate a broad range of roles throughout his career. He played a detective in Otto Preminger’s Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965) alongside Laurence Olivier and portrayed a physicist in the horror classic The Legend of Hell House (1973), starring Roddy McDowall. His work extended across genres, showcasing talents that made him a sought-after actor in the 1960s and beyond.
The Royal Shakespeare Company veteran appeared on Broadway seven times and garnered Tony Award nominations for his performances in two iconic musicals: as Bob-Le-Hotu in Irma La Douce (1961) and as Fagin in Theatre (1963) adaptation of Oliver!.
Collaboration with Billy Wilder and Star Wars Legacy
In the realm of film, Revill showcased his talent in two notable films directed by Billy Wilder. He was cast as a Russian ballerina’s admirer in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970) and played Carlo, a beleaguered hotel manager, in Avanti! (1972), a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. His connection to the cinematic universe deepened further when director Irvin Kershner invited him to lend his voice to Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Revill recorded chilling lines in a Los Angeles studio, which were featured in a crucial scene where Darth Vader communicates with the Emperor via hologram.
Although his voice was later replaced by Ian McDiarmid for the 2004 DVD release of the film, Revill remained proud of his legacy. “When fans approach, I invite them to close their eyes,” he shared in a 2015 interview. “I recite, ‘There is a great disturbance in the Force,’ and the reactions are priceless; I’ve seen people turn pale, and one nearly fainted from the nostalgia!”
Journey to Becoming an Actor
Born on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, New Zealand, Clive Selsby Revill grew up in a nurturing environment with a mother who was both a homemaker and an opera singer, and a father who worked as a carpenter. A Shakespeare aficionado, Revill was working as an actuary when he met theatrical luminaries Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh during their tour of New Zealand. This encounter redirected the course of his life; Olivier encouraged him to study acting at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, prompting Revill to raise funds for his journey to England in 1950.
Although the initial years proved challenging, Revill’s determination prevailed. He recalled a pivotal moment of self-doubt in a 2017 interview, where he shared advice from a mentor in movement at school that helped him discover his inner truth and artistic voice.
Broadway Breakthrough and Continuing Impact
His confidence regained, Revill made his Broadway debut in 1952 with Mr. Pickwick, based on the works of Charles Dickens. He later joined the RSC and, in 1964, delivered a memorable performance as Jean-Paul Marat in a production of Marat/Sade alongside Patrick Magee. Returning to Broadway in subsequent years, he took on roles that showcased his diverse talents—from Sheridan Whiteside in the musical Sherry! (1967) to Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes (1975).
Versatility Across Film and Television
Revill’s extensive filmography includes a variety of characters in films such as The Double Man (1967), Fathom (1967), and Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995). Additionally, his appearances on television spanned a range of genres, with notable roles in longstanding series such as Columbo, Magnum, P.I., and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Beyond his iconic role as Emperor Palpatine, he also voiced characters in various Star Wars video games, and portrayed Alfred the butler in Batman: The Animated Series.
Survived by his granddaughter Kayla, Clive Revill leaves behind a legacy that resonates with both fans and fellow artists. His contributions to theatre, film, and television were not only significant but also transformative, echoing through the realms of pop culture and beyond.
Alison Edmond contributed to this report.