Renowned art director Les Dilley, a key figure behind the visuals of iconic franchises like 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at 84 years old.
Spotlight: The Legendary Les Dilley, a Pioneer in Cinematic Artistry
Remembering Leslie Dilley, the award-winning art director and production designer, who passed away at the age of 84 on May 20 following Alzheimer's complications.
Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Les Dilley’s film career began with a plastering and construction apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation at just 15 years old. At 23, he worked as a plaster worker on the James Bond flick, From Russia With Love, and an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. After becoming an art director for Three Musketeers in 1973 and its sequel, he joined the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope and played a pivotal role in creating R2-D2's physical build, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
Dilley went on to direct art for Empire Strikes Back, alongside work on 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 earned him Oscar nominations, while New Hope and Raiders brought him wins for Best Art Direction, both shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
After retiring following the end of his work on the British kids' show Teacup Travels in 2017, Les Dilley was honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by BAFTA’s Welsh branch — the British Academy Cymru Awards — in 2020. The event was graced with praises from industry greats like George Lucas and Ridley Scott, who lauded his contributions and dedication throughout his career.
Les Dilley is survived by his wife Leslie and five children. In a statement, they shared, "His love for the motion picture business was evident to the very end. Beyond 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."
We bid farewell to the legendary Les Dilley, whose impact on filmmaking is certain to endure for generations to come.
[Sources: IMDB, Mubi]
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In the realm of technology and entertainment, Gizmodo might have acknowledged Les Dilley's contributions to the future of cinema, particularly in groundbreaking movies like Star Wars and Alien. Io9, with its focus on science fiction and fantasy, could have delved into Dilley's work, highlighting his Oscar-nominated designs in films like The Abyss and Empire Strikes Back. Movies-and-tv enthusiasts might have cherished content about Dilley's lengthy and distinguished career in the industry, which also includes work on television shows such as Teacup Travels.
