Renowned art director Les Dilley, best known for his work on iconic films like 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones,' passes away at 84 years old.
Renowned art director and production designer Les Dilley, a native of Rhondda, Wales, passed away on May 20 at the age of 84 following complications from Alzheimer's.
Born on July 11, 1941, Dilley commenced his film career at the tender age of 15 with an apprenticeship in construction and plastering at the Associated British Picture Corporation. By the age of 23, he was a plaster worker on the 1963 production of "From Russia With Love." Over the years, he ascended through the ranks and held the titles of assistant art director on "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Kelly's Heroes," art director for the 1973 "Three Musketeers" and its sequel, and joined the UK team for "Star Wars: A New Hope" where he helped create the physical builds for R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
Dilley continued to direct art for its sequel, "Empire Strikes Back," as well as "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Alien," "Superman," and "An American Werewolf in London." Among his many accolades are Oscar nominations for "The Abyss," "Empire," and "Alien," and wins for Best Art Direction for "Star Wars: A New Hope" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," both shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds.
In 2020, Dilley was awarded an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by BAFTA's Welsh branch-the British Academy Cymru Awards. Notable figures in the industry such as George Lucas and Ridley Scott praised him during the ceremony. Lucas described him as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy."
Survived by his wife Leslie and five children, Dilley's legacy thrives in the numerous iconic films he contributed to for over six decades and in his family home, a personal tribute to his work. In a statement, the family said he will be greatly missed for his incredible work ethic, quirky British humor, love of life, and dedication as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, IMDB, Mubi.
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Gizmodo may delve into Dilley's impact on the future of technology in movies and TV, considering his pioneering work in creating physical builds for iconic films such as 'Star Wars: A New Hope' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. Io9 might feature Dilley's legacy in their entertainment section, discussing his collaboration with legendary directors like George Lucas and Ridley Scott, and his numerous awards for Best Art Direction. Additionally, Movies-and-TV could explore the prevalence of Dilley's design influences in current and upcoming blockbuster movies.
