Art Director Les Dilley, known for his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at the age of 84.
Vibrant Tribute: The Life and Legacy of Leslie Dilley
The world bid farewell to 84-year-old Leslie Dilley, a legendary art director and production designer, on May 20. His untimely demise was due to complications from Alzheimer's.
Born in Rhondda, Wales, on July 11, 1941, Dilley's journey in the film industry began at an impressionable age. At fifteen, he embarked on a construction and plastering apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. By the age of 23, he had worked as a plaster worker on "From Russia With Love" and served as an assistant art director on productions like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Kelly's Heroes".
His breakthrough came in 1973 when he became an art director for "Three Musketeers" and its sequel. His work caught the attention of the team behind "Star Wars: A New Hope", leading him to join their UK team. Dilley played a pivotal role in creating the physical builds for R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
He proceeded to direct art for "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". "Abyss", "Empire", and "Alien" each earned him Oscar nominations, while "New Hope" and "Raiders" earned him wins for Best Art Direction, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
Dilley's career culminated in his role as a production designer on the British kids' show "Teacup Travels", which ended in 2017, after which he retired. He is also credited on the web series "New-Gen", yet to release.
In 2020, BAFTA's Welsh branch awarded him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others who'd worked with him over the years, heaped praise on him at the ceremony.
Dilley is survived by his wife Leslie and five children. His legacy continues in the numerous iconic films he contributed to for over six decades and in his family home, a personal tribute to his work. He will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, quirky British humor, and unparalleled dedication to his craft.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
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