Darth Vader actor ill

Prowse appeared in the first three Star Wars films

Darth Vader actor David Prowse, 65, has been taken to hospital suffering from a mystery illness.

His agent said that a tight schedule attending worldwide Star Wars conventions could have taken its toll on the health of the father of three.

His condition has not yet been named but his wife, Norma, is reported to be very concerned.

"He is not feeling very well, he has got a temperature, he is feverish and he is in pain but in terms of knowing what the problem is the doctors have not been able to put their finger on it," said Prowse's agent Phil Day.

Prowse's performance in George Lucas's Star Wars trilogy, won him many fans.

Green Cross Code

He was hired because of his height - 6ft 7in - but because of his English accent, the actor James Earl Jones dubbed over his voice.

Prowse as he appeared in the Green Cross Code ads

Today the former body-builder and Mr Universe contestant makes a living attending Star Wars conventions and seminars across the globe.

"He is always in the air," said Mr Day.

"Since Christmas he has been to the United States, Japan and Germany."

The actor has suffered from arthritis for a number of years and now walks with a stick but still works out at the gym regularly.

Prowse trained Christopher Reeve for his role in the 1978 film, Superman.

He started out in UK comedies like Carry On Henry and Benny Hill, made his name in the 1970s as the Green Cross Code Man but later landed his biggest role playing Darth Vader.

In addition to sweeping about the Star Wars sets in flowing cloak and death mask, Mr Prowse appeared in several Hammer horror flicks and the James Bond spoof Casino Royale.

He also appeared as a bodyguard in A Clockwork Orange and has said that this was how he got the Star Wars job - George Lucas remembered him from Stanley Kubrick's film.

Prowse received an MBE for services to charity and road safety in the New Year's honours list in 2000.