Long-time art director for 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' series, Les Dilley, passes away at 84 years old.
Meet Les Dilley, Iconic Art Director and Production Designer, Departed at 84
In a heartbreaking farewell, Les Dilley, the brilliant art director and production designer behind countless iconic films, departed on May 20, 2023. His journey, marked by a vibrant career and an unwavering passion for the silver screen, came to a close at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer's.
Born and bred in Rhondda, Wales on July 11, 1941, Dilley's cinematic odyssey kicked off at 15 with a construction and plastering apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. Working his way up at a rapid pace, Dilley was a plaster worker on From Russia With Love at 23. His career expanded further as an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. At the tender age of 27, he bagged the role of art director for the 1973 debonair trio in Three Musketeers and its 1974 sequel.
His breakthrough came when he joined the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope. This stellar collaboration saw him adding his magical touch to create the physical essence of R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder. Dilley propelled his success with directing art for its sequel, Empire Strikes Back, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London. To add to his already impressive resume, his production designer credits included The Abyss, Exorcist III, Invaders From Mars, Casper, Black Knight, and Deep Impact.
While New Hope and Raiders earned him two wins for Best Art Direction, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, Abyss, Empire, and Alien were each Oscar-nominated nods for his exceptional work. Notably, Reynolds passed away in 2023, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry they once shaped together.
Post-retirement in 2017 from his stint on the British kids' show Teacup Travels, Dilley bid adieu to the glamorous world of film and television. His name surfaced once more during the 2020 British Academy Cymru Awards, as BAFTA's Welsh branch honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. This prestigious accolade was followed by accolades from George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others, who'd worked with him over the years, praising his dedication and undeniable passion for the craft.
Les Dilley left behind his beloved wife Leslie and five cherished children. His memory continues to live on in the numerous iconic films he brought to life for over six decades and in his family home built as a tribute to his enduring love for the motion picture industry. Fondly remembered for his incredible work ethic, quirky British humor, and his love of life, he will be greatly missed.
References:
- IMDB
- Mubi
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety
Join us to unwind as we delve into the exciting upcoming releases of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who. May Les Dilley's exceptional work continue to inspire the next generation of visual designers.
- In the realm of technology, Gizmodo and Io9 are set to discuss the future impact of Les Dilley's groundbreaking work in movie-making and production design on the upcoming releases of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
- As Les Dilley's legacy lives on in movies and entertainment, fans of Movies-and-TV can look forward to exploring the artistic influences of his career in the upcoming documentary series on Gizmodo and Io9.
- In this period of growth for technology, where digital artistry continues to evolve, Les Dilley's contributions to the futuristic landscapes of iconic films serve as inspiration for future generations of visual designers, as highlighted by thecreators on Gizmodo and Io9.
