Art Director for 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' Movies, Les Dilley, Passes Away at 84 Years Old
Meet Les Dilley, the legendary art director and production designer who left an indelible mark on the film industry, passing away at 84 from Alzheimer's complications. Born in Rhondda, Wales on July 11, 1941, Les's journey began as a 15-year-old apprentice, with a construction and plastering gig at the Associated British Picture Corporation.
By 23, he was a plaster worker on the iconic James Bond film, From Russia With Love, and an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. His sheer dedication propelled him to become an art director in 1973, contributing significantly to Three Musketeers and its sequel. Star Wars: A New Hope was his next venture, where he collaborated to create the physical builds for R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder, earning him an Oscar for Best Art Direction, a win he shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
Les's design footprints can be found in the sequel, Empire Strikes Back, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London. 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, New Hope and Raiders led to wins for Best Art Direction.
After wrapping up a British kids' show, Teacup Travels, in 2017, Les calls it a day and retires. He was honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by BAFTA's Welsh branch in 2020, with admiration from industry greats like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and many more.
Leaving behind his loving wife, Leslie, and five children, Les's legacy lives on in the numerous iconic films he helped create. His home, a tribute to his lifelong passion for film, is a testament to his unparalleled work ethic, irrepressible British humor, and profound love for life.
For more on the latest in film, check out the expected releases of Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, or delve into the future of DC Universe on film and TV and the latest updates on Doctor Who. [Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
Intrigued by Les Dilley's illustrious career? Know More: Les Dilley's Early Beginnings - Started at 15 as a plastering and construction apprentice at the Associated British Picture Corporation, Les later worked as a plaster worker on the James Bond film From Russia With Love when he was 23.
- Les Dilley, the renowned art director and production designer, made his start at 15 as a plastering and construction apprentice at the Associated British Picture Corporation.
- His career in film took off rapidly, with him working as a plaster worker on the iconic James Bond film, From Russia With Love, at the age of 23.
- Tech enthusiasts might recognize Les Dilley for his collaboration on the physical builds for R2-D2 and Luke's landspeeder in the movie Star Wars: A New Hope.
- Fans of entertainment news can find a comprehensive account of Les Dilley's early beginnings on sites like Gizmodo, under the section Movies-and-TV, or on IO9, a platform known for its coverage of movies and celebrities.
