Anakin Skywalker

Darth Vader Anakin Skywalker
Star Wars character
David Prowse as Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
First appearance	Star Wars (1977)
Created by	George Lucas
Portrayed by	Darth Vader: David Prowse (Star Wars–Return of the Jedi) Bob Anderson (The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi; stunts) Hayden Christensen (Episode III) Gene Bryant (Episode III) Spencer Wilding (Rogue One) Daniel Naprous (Rogue One) Anakin Skywalker: Jake Lloyd (Episode I) Hayden Christensen (Episodes II and III, Return of the Jedi 2004 DVD and later releases) Sebastian Shaw (Return of the Jedi)
Voiced by	Darth Vader: James Earl Jones (voice) Ben Burtt (vocal effects) Anakin Skywalker: Mat Lucas (Star Wars Clone Wars (2003-2005)) Matt Lanter (The Clone Wars (2008-2014) and Rebels)

Darth Vader, also known by his birth name Anakin Skywalker, is a fictional character in the Star Wars film franchise. Vader appears in the original film trilogy as a pivotal antagonist whose actions drive the plot of the first three films while his past as Anakin Skywalker and the story of his corruption is central to the prequel trilogy.

The character was created by George Lucas and has been portrayed by numerous actors. His appearances span the first six Star Wars films, as well as Rogue One, and his character is heavily referenced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He is also an important character in the Star Wars expanded universe of television series, video games, novels, literature and comic books. Originally a Jedi prophesied to bring balance to the Force, he falls to the dark side of the Force and serves the evil Galactic Empire at the right hand of his Sith master, Emperor Palpatine (also known as Darth Sidious). He is also the father of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa, grandfather of Kylo Ren, and secret husband of Padmé Amidala.

The American Film Institute listed him as the third greatest movie villain in cinema history on 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains, behind Hannibal Lecter and Norman Bates.