Sherman Oaks, CA
The entertainment world mourns the passing of Clive Revill, the distinguished New Zealand-born actor whose rich voice and commanding presence graced stage and screen for over six decades. Best known to global audiences as the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* and as Alfred Pennyworth in *Batman: The Animated Series*, Revill passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at a care facility in Sherman Oaks. He was 94.
Born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1930, Revill honed his craft in London’s theater scene before becoming one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. His deep, resonant voice became his signature – whether thrilling *Star Wars* fans as the sinister Emperor, charming animation audiences as Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, or bringing gravitas to countless audiobooks and radio dramas.
Beyond these iconic voice roles, Revill’s live-action performances showcased his remarkable versatility. He appeared in *The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes*, *The Legend of Hell House*, and *Fathom*, while maintaining a prolific stage career that included acclaimed performances in Shakespearean productions and Broadway musicals like *Oliver!*, for which he earned a Tony nomination.
“Dad approached every role with equal passion, whether it was West End theater or a cartoon recording session,” shared his daughter Kate Revill. “He loved the craft itself – the joy of creating characters and telling stories.”
A private family service has been held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Actors Fund, an organization supporting entertainment professionals that Revill long admired.
Though the original *Empire Strikes Back* version of Palpatine was later replaced, Revill’s chilling performance remains beloved by *Star Wars* purists. More importantly, his six-decade career stands as a testament to the power of character actors – those gifted performers who, without always being household names, create the rich tapestry of our favorite stories.
As fans revisit his work – from the ominous Emperor to the dry-witted Alfred – Clive Revill’s legacy lives on in every line delivered with that unmistakable voice: cultured, charismatic, and utterly unforgettable.
