R.I.P. Bob Anderson

The Lord of the Rings family has lost one of its own this New Year’s Day when sword master and fight choreographer Bob Anderson passed away at the age of 89. He had a long career creating the epic fights scenes for many movies and training the actors and stuntmen to pull them off. Or in some cases doing it himself like performing Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. His work includes The Princess Bride, Highlander, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. In short, if you have geeked over a sword fight sequence in a favorite movie, don't be surprised if he either helped create it or influenced the person that did.

Peter Jackson wrote on his Facebook page:

It is a rare, even within the film industry, that you get to work with a legend which was why I was thrilled when Bob Anderson agreed to come on board The Lord of the Rings as our sword-master. In fact, it took a while for it to sink in that I was going to get to work with the same man who had helped create some of cinema's greatest fight sequences - from Star Wars to The Princess Bride. Bob was a brilliant swordsman and a gifted teacher; I will remember him as a wonderfully patient man, possessed of a terrific sense of humour. It was a privilege to have known him.

Below is a small segment from the documentary "Reclaiming the Blade" that tells the story of Anderson's career. It can be found on Netflix. Thanks Mr. Anderson for the movie memories. Condolences to his wife and three children. More about his life can be read here, here and here.