Acclaimed art director Les Dilley, known for his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones,' passes away at 84 years old.
Meet Les Dilley, the illustrious art director and production designer, who captivated Hollywood for over six decades. Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, this iconic figure started his film journey at a tender age of 15, working as an apprentice in construction and plastering at the Associated British Picture Corporation.
At 23, he was a plaster worker on the timeless masterpiece, From Russia With Love. His career took off, and soon he was an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. His breakthrough came with the art direction for Three Musketeers in 1973, which led him to join the team for the groundbreaking sci-fi epic, Star Wars: A New Hope. By helping to build R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder, he played a pivotal role in creating the franchise's iconic look.
Dilley continued his triumphant rise, directing art for The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, and Superman, among others. His production designer credits include The Abyss, Exorcist III, Invaders From Mars, Casper, Black Knight, and Deep Impact. While Abyss, Empire, and Alien each earned him Oscar nominations, he won Best Art Direction for New Hope and Raiders—both shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, who passed away in 2023.
Post his work on the British kids' show Teacup Travels in 2017, Dilley retired. He was later honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by the Wales branch of the British Academy Cymru Awards in 2020. Tributes poured in from industry legends like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and many more, who praised his exceptional work ethic, quirky British humor, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Les Dilley leaves behind his wife Leslie and five children. His home, a testament to his lifelong love for film, stands as a lasting reminder of his incredible legacy. As the family shared, "His love for the motion picture business was evident to the very end. He will be greatly missed."
Some of Dilley's notable works include Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, and The Empire Strikes Back. His contributions were recognized through numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his significant impact on the industry[1][2][3].
Want more entertainment news? Stay updated on the upcoming releases of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the future of the DC Universe, and the new adventures of Doctor Who.
- Les Dilley's career in the entertainment industry was not limited to films, as he also contributed to prominent tech-related publications like io9 and Gizmodo with insightful discussions about technology in movies and TV.
- In addition to his work on blockbuster movies, Les Dilley's design influences extended to the world of entertainment, with feature articles on his approach found in publications such as movies-and-tv and Entertainment Weekly.
- Aside from leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood, Les Dilley's contributions to movies-and-tv and the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated for future generations, inspiring new artists to follow in his footsteps.
