Longtime art director for 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises, Les Dilley, passes away at 84 years old.
Remember Les Dilley, the Mind Behind Film Magic?
Sadly, we bid adieu to Les Dilley, the renowned art director and production designer, on May 20, at the ripe age of 84, succumbing to complications related to Alzheimer's. Born in the heart of Wales on July 11, 1941, Dilley embarked on an extraordinary film career at a tender age of 15. He kicked off his journey as a plaster worker on the 1963 classic, From Russia With Love, before stepping up as an assistant art director for Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes.
Dilley's big break came when he became the art director for the 1973 film, Three Musketeers and its sequel. His prowess was soon recognized, leading him to the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope, where he lent his magic to create the physical builds for R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder. His artistry extended to its sequel, Empire Strikes Back, along with other groundbreaking films like 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 brought him wins for Best Art Direction, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, who departed in 2023.
Post his work on the British kids' show Teacup Travels in 2017, Dilley hung up his hat, but not before BAFTA's Welsh branch-the British Academy Cymru Awards-honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award in 2020. The event was graced with praises from George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others, with Lucas describing him as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy. [...] If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
Leaving behind his beloved wife Leslie and five children, Dilley's 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."
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
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From the Enrichment Vault:
Les Dilley's Career Achievements and Notable Films:
Hailing from Rhondda, Wales, Dilley's esteemed career in film began at the age of 15 with a plastering and construction apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. After studying architecture and building construction at Willesden Technical College, he worked his way up from being a plaster worker to an art director on various iconic films.
Among these are Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, where Dilley played a significant role in creating the groundbreaking sets. He continued his contributions with Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, helping expand the Star Wars universe with its iconic sets. His collaboration on Raiders of the Lost Ark brought the adventurous and action-packed visuals of the film to life.
Dilley's artistry extended to horror-comedy with An American Werewolf in London, contributing to its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. He was part of the team that brought the terrifying creature of Alien to life. His work on Superman helped create the iconic visuals of the superhero film. 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, he shared wins for Best Art Direction on New Hope and Raiders with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
Les Dilley's film career spans over six decades, working on notable movies such as 'Star Wars: A New Hope' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', for which he received Oscar wins for Best Art Direction. His contributions also include 'Alien' and 'An American Werewolf in London'. After his retirement, Dilley's work continues to live on in these iconic films covered by Gizmodo, io9, and Movies-and-TV, under the Entertainment category.
