Art Director for 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', Les Dilley, passes away at 84 years old.
Renowned art director and production designer Les Dilley passed away on May 20 at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley commenced his film career as a construction and plastering apprentice at the Associated British Picture Corporation at 15. His movie journey began as a plaster worker on the 1963 film "From Russia With Love," followed by being an assistant art director for "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Kelly's Heroes."
Dilley's career took a significant turn when he became an art director for the 1973 film "Three Musketeers" and its sequel. He then worked on the UK team for "Star Wars: A New Hope," helping realize the physical builds of R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder. He continued to direct art for its sequel, "Empire Strikes Back," and collaborated on iconic films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Alien," "Superman," and "An American Werewolf in London." Dilley's production designer credits include "The Abyss," "Exorcist III," "Invaders From Mars," "Casper," "Black Knight," and "Deep Impact." "Abyss," "Empire," and "Alien" each earned him Oscar nominations, while "New Hope" and "Raiders" garnered him wins for Best Art Direction, both shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
Following the end of his work on the British kids' show "Teacup Travels" in 2017, Dilley retired. He is credited on the web series "New-Gen," which, at the time of writing, has yet to release. In 2020, BAFTA's Welsh branch-the British Academy Cymru Awards-honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. Numerous industry luminaries, including George Lucas, Ridley Scott, praised Dilley at the ceremony. Lucas described him as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy. [...] If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
Dilley is survived by his wife Leslie and five children. In a statement, the family said, "His legacy lives on in the many iconic films he helped bring to life for over six decades and in his family home he personally built as an homage to his work. His love for the motion picture business was evident to the very end. In addition to his incredible work ethic, quirky British humor, and love of life, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed."
[Sources: The Hollywood Reporter]
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Gizmodo recently published an obituary for Les Dilley, a renowned art director and production designer who passed away at the age of 84. Known for his work on iconic films like 'Star Wars: A New Hope' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' Dilley's future projects can now be found on io9, under the Movies-and-TV section, concentrating on entertainment news. His legacy continues to influence the future of the movie industry.
