Clive Revill Has Died: A Voice and Face Familiar to Generations

Clive Revill, a veteran character actor and voice performer best known for roles in Snorks, Star Wars, and numerous television dramas, died on March 11, 2025. He was 94 years old. His passing was confirmed by family representatives, though no cause of death has been released publicly.

Revill enjoyed a long and diverse career that spanned stage, screen, and voice acting. Known for his strong voice, expressive delivery, and ability to play both comedy and drama, he left a lasting mark on television, animation, and film.

Born on April 18, 1930, in Wellington, New Zealand, Clive Revill trained in theater in London before moving into screen acting in the 1950s. His early career included performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End, where he earned praise for his classical stage roles.

He transitioned to film and television in the 1960s and quickly became a familiar face in British and American productions. Revill often played refined or eccentric characters. His dramatic range and distinct voice made him a strong choice for both villainous and comedic roles.

One of Revill’s most widely recognized voice performances was as Emperor Palpatine in the original 1980 release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, before the role was later re-dubbed in later versions. He also voiced characters in numerous animated series, including the friendly and quirky narrator in Snorks, a popular children’s show in the 1980s.

His voice work extended to other animated series such as Batman: The Animated Series, DuckTales, Gargoyles, and Spider-Man: The Animated Series. He played characters with wit, menace, and depth, adding personality to both heroes and villains.

In live-action television, Revill had recurring and guest roles in dozens of series across five decades. He appeared in shows like Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, Remington Steele, Magnum, P.I., and Hart to Hart. He was often cast as diplomats, professors, and aristocrats, thanks to his distinctive accent and commanding presence.

Revill was also a respected theater actor throughout his life. In 1963, he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Oliver! on Broadway. He continued to perform on stage well into the later years of his career, showing dedication to his craft.

He was known in the industry as a generous colleague and a professional who brought care and detail to every role. Those who worked with him described him as charming, intelligent, and passionate about storytelling.

Clive Revill is survived by his daughter and other family members. A private memorial service will be held in Los Angeles, with tributes expected to be shared online by fans and fellow actors.

Revill’s work reached audiences across generations. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the microphone, he gave life to characters that remain in the hearts of viewers. He will be remembered for his voice, his artistry, and a career that touched nearly every corner of entertainment.