Les Dilley, the celebrated art director and production designer known for his work on iconic films, passed away on May 20 at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. His remarkable contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley’s journey in film began at just 15 years old with a construction apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. By the age of 23, he had already made his mark as a plaster worker on the James Bond classic From Russia With Love. He swiftly climbed the ranks, taking on roles as an assistant art director for notable titles like Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly’s Heroes.
Dilley’s talent became evident as he took on the role of art director for the film Three Musketeers in 1973, followed by its sequel the next year. He then joined the legendary UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope, where he played a pivotal role in creating iconic elements like R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke’s landspeeder. His expertise wasn’t limited to just one project; he continued to showcase his artistry in the sequel Empire Strikes Back, along with masterpieces such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London.
Dilley’s filmography also includes significant production design credits for The Abyss, Exorcist III, Invaders From Mars, Casper, Black Knight, and Deep Impact. His outstanding work earned him three Oscar nominations for Abyss, Empire, and Alien, while A New Hope and Raiders won him Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, shared with fellow art director Norman Reynolds, who passed away in 2023.
After a successful career that spanned over six decades, Dilley retired following his role as a production designer on the British children’s show Teacup Travels in 2017. While he is also credited on the upcoming web series New-Gen, he received widespread recognition from the BAFTA’s Welsh branch in 2020, who honored him with the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. Industry legends like George Lucas and Ridley Scott praised Dilley’s contributions at the event, with Lucas referring to him as his “main contact with the art department, and an all-around great guy.”
Les Dilley is survived by his wife, Leslie, and five children. The family shared in a statement that his legacy “lives on in the many iconic films he helped bring to life for over six decades and in his family home he personally built as an homage to his work.” They described him as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, stating, “He will be greatly missed.”
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
What awards did Les Dilley win during his career? Les Dilley won several prestigious awards, including Academy Awards for Best Art Direction for A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
What are some iconic films Les Dilley worked on? Dilley’s filmography includes classics such as Star Wars: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, showcasing his remarkable talent.
How did Dilley contribute to the Star Wars franchise? Dilley was integral in bringing to life memorable designs, including R2-D2 and Luke’s landspeeder, enriching the Star Wars universe.
What was Dilley’s approach to production design? He was known for his strong work ethic, creativity, and a deep passion for storytelling through visual elements in cinema.
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