Movie and animation fans we have some sad news to share. Clive Revill the incredibly talented actor whose voice brought to life some seriously iconic characters has passed away at the age of 94. You might not know his face right away but you definitely know his voice especially if you are a Star Wars or Batman fan.
Clive Revill: From Stage Legend to Iconic Voice in Star Wars and Batman Universe
Clive Revill wasn't just any actor he was a true chameleon. Born in New Zealand he actually started out in finance before legendary Laurence Olivier convinced him to pursue acting. Talk about a career change! And boy did it pay off.
He became a stage star shining on Broadway and even snagging two Tony Nominations for musicals like "Irma la Douce" and "Oliver!". He wasn't just a stage guy though. He acted in movies for big-name directors like Billy Wilder and even earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in "Avanti!". This guy was versatile like seriously versatile.
"A Great Disturbance in the Force": Voicing Emperor Palpatine in The Empire Strikes Back
But for many of us Clive Revill will always be remembered for one very specific role: the voice of Emperor Palpatine in the original The Empire Strikes Back. Yep that creepy menacing voice that Darth Vader talks to? That was Clive. Director Irvin Kershner brought him in and even though it was just a few lines Revill made them unforgettable.
His delivery of lines like "There is a great disturbance in the Force" sent chills down spines. It's amazing how much he could convey with just his voice making the Emperor feel truly evil and powerful even as just a hologram. Funny fact is that later on for the DVD release they replaced Revill's voice with Ian McDiarmid who played Palpatine in Return of the Jedi and the prequels. But true fans remember and appreciate Revill's original chilling take. He even had a great story about scaring fans by whispering the Emperor's lines to them!
Beyond the Dark Side: Voicing Alfred in Batman The Animated Series and More
Star Wars wasn't his only big voice role. DC fans know Clive Revill as the original voice of Alfred Pennyworth in the beloved Batman: The Animated Series. He voiced Alfred in the first few episodes bringing his signature sophisticated yet warm tone to Bruce Wayne's loyal butler. While he wasn't Alfred for the whole series his early performance definitely set the stage for future portrayals.
And his voice work didn't stop there. He voiced characters in Star Wars video games Batman games and even cartoons like Snorks . He truly had a gift for bringing characters to life just with his voice.
A Career Spanning Decades and Genres: Clive Revill's Legacy on Stage and Screen
Let's not forget Clive Revill's live-action work too. He was in tons of movies and TV shows across genres. From comedies like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Dracula: Dead and Loving It to thrillers like The Legend of Hell House and even episodes of classic TV series like Columbo and Murder She Wrote. He was always working and always delivering memorable performances no matter the role.
He was known for being able to play characters from different backgrounds and ethnicities adding to his incredible versatility. Clive Revill was a true talent a performer who could captivate audiences in so many different ways. He will be missed.
Remembering Clive Revill: Notable Roles from a Legendary Voice Actor
Here's a quick look at some of Clive Revill's most memorable roles across film television stage and video games:
- Emperor Palpatine - Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (Original Voice)
- Alfred Pennyworth - Batman: The Animated Series (Early Episodes)
- Fagin - Oliver! (Broadway) - Tony Nomination
- Bob-Le-Hotu - Irma la Douce (Broadway) - Tony Nomination
- Carlo Carlucci - Avanti! (Film) - Golden Globe Nomination
- Various Star Wars Characters - Video Games
- Doctor Doom - Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Video Game)
So next time you hear that chilling line "There is a great disturbance in the Force" take a moment to remember Clive Revill the man who first gave the Emperor his terrifying voice. His talent and versatility left a mark on stage screen animation and gaming and his contributions will continue to entertain and inspire for years to come. Rest in peace Clive Revill.