Bob Anderson, legendary Sword Master and Olympic fencer, passed away early New Years Day at an English hospital at the age of 89.
Robert James Gilbert “Bob” Anderson, born in Hampshire, England in 1922, was best known for his talent of weilding a blade and being a mentor & trainer for some of the most critically acclaimed films of our time. These include The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, First Knight & The Three Musketeers (1993). He also donned the black mask of Darth Vader in two Star War’s films: Return of the Jedi & The Empire Strikes Back . This role of his was a mystery until actor Mark Hamill acknowledged his role during an interview in 1983.
As much as directors and actors play an important role in creating a good film, it is people like Bob that make those films great. We never see their talent in action but their role is what perfects a film. His last role was as Sword Master for the two The Hobbit films, with the first one releasing in December of 2012.
Thank you Mr. Anderson for putting your heart & soul into your work and giving the edge needed to make the films we love, perfect.
Bob is survived by his wife Pearl & three children.
