Passaway News: Prolific Art Director Les Dilley, Known for 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' Films, Breasts Cancer at 84 Years Old
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In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the acclaimed wizard of film art, Les Dilley, bows out at the ripe age of 84, succumbing to the merciless clutches of Alzheimer's. Born on July 11, 1941, in the scenic valleys of Rhondda, Wales, Dilley kicked off his extraordinary journey in the world of celluloid as a 15-year-old apprentice in construction and plastering at the Associated British Picture Corporation.
At the tender age of 23, he bonded bricks and mortar for 1963's From Russia With Love, shortly after which he wielded his artistic prowess as an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. Seizing the mantle of art director for 1973's Three Musketeers and its 1974 sequel, he debuted on the stage of stardom and was subsequently roped in by the UK squad for the legend of Star Wars: A New Hope. His contributions as an art director breathed life into R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder, earning him a place in film history.
Dilley's artful design touch didn't settle there; he continued to adorn the sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, alongside Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London. His expertise as a production designer shone in masterpieces such as The Abyss, Exorcist III, Invaders From Mars, Casper, Black Knight, and Deep Impact. The Abyss, Empire, and Alien each garnered nominations for an Oscar, while A New Hope and Raiders sent the prestigious statuette his way, both times shared with his collaborator, Norman Reynolds, who bid adieu in 2023.
After hanging up his toolbox following the end of his stint on British television's Teacup Travels in 2017, Dilley embarked on his well-deserved retirement. Production credits on a yet-to-be-released web series, New-Gen, round out his illustrious career (IMDB and Mubi note).
In 2020, the Welsh chapter of BAFTA, the British Academy Cymru Awards, honored Dilley with the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and an array of other collaborators lauded his achievements, with Lucas hailing him as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy. [...] If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
The illustrious artist is survived by his ever-loving wife, Leslie, and five cherished children. In a heartfelt statement, the family remembers his enduring legacy as a blend of iconic cinema creations spanning over six decades, his dream home designed with his passion for movies, and a forever-burning love for life. His infectious British humor, boundless work ethic, and undying dedication to his family and friends will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him well.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
If you're hankering for more grandeur, be sure to cast your eyes on the latest releases in the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, keep track of the developments in the DC Universe on the silver screen and the small screen, and familiarize yourself with the future of Doctor Who.
Enrichment Data:
Les Dilley was a highly acclaimed Welsh production designer and art director, recognized for his groundbreaking work on a plethora of iconic films. His remarkable career included:
Oscar-Winning Films:
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977): Dilley served as an Art Director and took home an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Dilley repeated his award-winning success, taking another Oscar for Best Art Direction, this time as an Art Director.
Other Notable Credits:
- Alien (1979): He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction for his contributions to this science-fiction masterpiece.
- Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Dilley made his mark as an Art Director for this beloved sequel.
- An American Werewolf in London (1981): Les Dilley was instrumental in creating the haunting visuals that stood out in this horror classic.
- The Abyss (1989): His work as a Production Designer helped to elevate this film to new heights in its genre.
- Superman (1978): Les Dilley joined forces with other artistic luminaries to bring the Man of Steel to life on the big screen.
- The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers: Milady's Revenge (1974): Dilley demonstrated his diverse talents in these iconic adaptations of Alexandre Dumas' famous novels.
Les Dilley's legacy in the realm of movies and television continued in the 21st century with his work as a production designer on unconfirmed web series, New-Gen. His artistic prowess was further celebrated at the British Academy Cymru Awards in 2020, where he received the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award.
The future of entertainment will certainly be impacted by the groundbreaking work of visionaries like Les Dilley. In the upcoming years, expect advancements in technology to revolutionize how films such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek are produced, bringing even more magnificent worlds to life.
Stay tuned for insights on the advancements in the technology of movies-and-tv, entertainment, and the future of Doctor Who, courtesy of renowned sources such as io9 and Gizmodo.
