Art Director Les Dilley, renowned for his work on films like 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at the age of 84.
Revamped Tribute: Leslie Dilley, Gone but Not Forgotten
In the world of film, the name Leslie Dilley has become synonymous with groundbreaking artistry. This legendary Welsh art director and production designer, who hailed from Rhondda, Wales, departed us on May 20 at the venerable age of 84, after a struggle with Alzheimer's complications.
Born on July 11, 1941, Leslie began his cinematic journey with an apprenticeship in plastering and construction at the Associated British Picture Corporation, all while attending Willesden Technical College for architectural studies. At 23, he was a plaster worker on the iconic flick From Russia With Love. His ascent continued with a job as an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. He claimed the title of art director for the 1973 film Three Musketeers and its 1974 sequel, eventually joining the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope. Here, he contributed to the physical creation of R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
Subsequently, Leslie directed the art for the sequel, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London. His production designer credits span The Abyss, Exorcist III, Invaders from Mars, Casper, Black Knight, and Deep Impact. Abyss, Empire, and Alien each garnered him an Academy Award nomination, while Star Wars: A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark earned him victories for Best Art Direction, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, who passed in 2023.
After his stint on the British kids' show Teacup Travels ended in 2017, Leslie retired. While the web series New-Gen credits him on their project, as of our writing, it has yet to debut. In 2020, the BAFTA's Welsh branch, the British Academy Cymru Awards, honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. The accolades poured in from industry titans like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others, who had collaborated with him throughout the years. Lucas described him as "my main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy... If anybody deserves this award, it’s you."
Leslie leaves behind his wife Leslie and five children. In a statement, the family reflected on his legacy, saying, "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."
(The Hollywood Reporter, IMDB, Mubi)
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