Renowned art director Les Dilley, known for his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones', passes away at the age of 84.
Renowned Art Director Les Dilley, aged 84, Passes Away
On May 20, Leslie Dilley, affectionately known as Les Dilley, an acclaimed art director and production designer, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley carved out an illustrious career in the film industry that spanned over six decades.
In his teenage years, Dilley began his film career with a construction and plastering apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. At 23, he was a plaster worker on the James Bond film, "From Russia With Love" (1963), before moving on to work as an assistant art director on "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Kelly's Heroes." After serving as an art director for "The Three Musketeers" (1973) and its sequel, he joined the UK team for "Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977), where he contributed to the physical build of iconic elements such as R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
Dilley went on to direct art for the sequel, "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), along with "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), "Alien" (1979), "Superman" (1978), and "An American Werewolf in London" (1981). His production designer credits encompassed movies like "The Abyss" (1989), "Exorcist III" (1990), "Invaders From Mars" (1986), "Casper" (1995), "Black Knight" (2001), and "Deep Impact" (1998). While "A New Hope" and "Raiders" earned him wins for Best Art Direction at the Oscars, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, "Star Wars: A New Hope" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" were among the films that received nominations for Best Art Direction.
In 2017, Dilley retired from working as a production designer on the British kids' show "Teacup Travels." In recognition of his contributions to film and television, the British Academy Cymru Awards, Wales branch of BAFTA, honored him with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award in 2020. The ceremony lacked no praise for Dilley, with tributes pouring in from industry giants like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others who had collaborated with him over the years. Lucas described him as his "main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy. [...] If anybody deserves this award, it's you."
Les Dilley is survived by his wife Leslie, five children, and a legacy that "lives on in the many iconic films he helped bring to life." In a statement, the family expressed their love for Dilley and praised his dedication, saying, "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."
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
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Gizmodo published an article mourning the loss of Les Dilley, a renowned art director who contributed to iconic films such as "Star Wars: A New Hope" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." On the website io9, readers can find the latest news about upcoming movies and entertainment, including Dilley's works in the "Movies and TV" section. In the future, technology and innovation in film production will continue to be influenced by Dilley's groundbreaking work.
