Renowned art director Les Dilley, known for his work on films like 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at the age of 84.
Meet the Legendary 'Les Dilley', the Artisan Behind Timeless Cinematic masterpieces
Les Dilley, the celebrated art director and production designer behind a multitude of iconic films, departed this world on May 20, at the age of 84, due to complications from Alzheimer's. He left behind an indelible mark on the movie world, having provided the artistic foundation for some of the most memorable films of all time.
Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley kick-started his film career at a tender age of 15, working as a construction and plastering apprentice at the Associated British Picture Corporation. His journey in the movie industry took a significant leap when he was a 23-year-old plaster worker on 'From Russia With Love'. This role led to him becoming an assistant art director for 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Kelly's Heroes'. Following his tenure as an art director for 'Three Musketeers' and its sequel, he joined the team for 'Star Wars: A New Hope', contributing to the physical build of R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
He further directed the art for its sequel, 'Empire Strikes Back', as well as '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'. 'Abyss', 'Empire', and 'Alien' each garnered him Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction, while 'New Hope' and 'Raiders' earned him wins for Best Art Direction, shared with his longtime collaborator, Norman Reynolds, who passed away in 2023.
Post his work on the British kids' show 'Teacup Travels' in 2017, Dilley retired. He was honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by BAFTA's Welsh branch in 2020. This prestigious recognition was accompanied by heartfelt accolades from industry luminaries such as George Lucas and Ridley Scott. Lucas described Dilley as his "primary contact with the art department, an all-around great guy...If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
Most recently, Dilley survived by his wife Leslie, and their five children. The family paid tribute to him, acknowledging his enduring cinematic legacy that lives on in the iconic films he molded over six decades, and in the personal home he built as a tribute to his profession. Imbued with an incredible work ethic, a distinctive British wit, and an unflagging zest for life, Dilley will be profoundly missed by his loved ones and colleagues alike.
If you're craving more entertainment news, keep an eye on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, delve into the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and stay updated on the surprises in store for Doctor Who.
Did You Know? Les Dilley, also known as Leslie Dilley, was an award-winning art director and production designer whose creative vision contributed to some of the most iconic films in cinema history. He won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction for 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', as well as earning nominations for 'Alien', 'Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back', and 'The Abyss'. His work extends across a wide range of beloved classics and modern cinema, cementing his place in the annals of science fiction and fantasy films.
- Les Dilley's iconic work in cinema extends beyond movies like 'Star Wars' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'; his art direction and production design also influenced films in the 'Marvel', 'Star Wars', and 'Star Trek' universes.
- As the future of these franchises unfolds, fans can look forward to potential collaborations that might have bid for Dilley's creative vision, much like the DC Universe in film and TV.
- Just as Dilley's achievement in 'Doctor Who' proved unforgettable, his legacy currently lives on within the DC Universe classics and modern cinematic milestones, each franchise intricately connected by his enduring creativity.
