acclaimed art director Les Dilley, renowned for his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at 84 years old.
Farewell to Legendary Art Director Les Dilley
Les Dilley, the breathtaking art director and production designer behind numerous films, took his final bow on May 20 at the tender age of 84, following a battle with Alzheimer's.
Born on the vibrant Welsh soil of Rhondda on July 11, 1941, Dilley's cinematic journey began with a plastering and construction apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation at the tender age of 15. His passion for architecture and building construction was further nurtured at Willesden Technical College. At 23, he made his silver screen debut as a plaster worker on the epic "From Russia With Love".
Over the years, Dilley's resume grew to include "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Kelly's Heroes", "The Three Musketeers", its sequel, and his pivotal work on Star Wars: A New Hope. The latter brought a physical build to life for fan-favorites such as R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder. He continued his stellar run by directing art for "Empire Strikes Back", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Alien", "Superman", and "An American Werewolf in London".
His production designer credits expanded to encompass "The Abyss", "Exorcist III", "Invaders From Mars", "Casper", "Black Knight", and "Deep Impact". Whilst "Abyss", "Empire", and "Alien" each made him an Academy Award nominee, "New Hope" and "Raiders" showered him with wins for Best Art Direction, alongside his collaborator Norman Reynolds, who bid farewell to this world in 2023.
In his twilight, Dilley's final chapter unfolded as a production designer for the British kids' show "Teacup Travels", which wrapped up in 2017. In 2020, BAFTA's Welsh branch - the British Academy Cymru Awards - honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award, pouring out accolades from filmmakers such as George Lucas and Ridley Scott. Lucas aptly described Dilley as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy. [...] If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
Survived by his ever-loving wife Leslie and five cherished children, Dilley's legacy will echo for generations to come, etched in the countless iconic films he breathed life into over six decades. Together with his exceptional work ethic, infectious British wit, and zest for life, he leaves behind an everlasting imprint as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
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As we look towards the future of movies and entertainment, we cannot forget the lasting impact of legendary art directors like Les Dilley, who left an indelible mark in the industry with iconic films such as Star Wars: A New Hope, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Alien. His work will continue to echo for generations to come.
In the spirit of saluting pioneers in the field, we remember Les Dilley, whose twilight years unfolded as a production designer for the British kids' show "Teacup Travels". Having received the British Academy Cymru Awards' Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award in 2020, his legacy lives on through the iconic films he breathed life into over six decades.
