We already have our first passing in Hollywood. You won’t likely know his name, but Bob Anderson, 89, passed away just into this new year on the second of January (1922-2012).
Like I said, the name may not mean anything to you but you’ve most assuredly seen his work. Anderson, you see, was Hollywood’s most famous sword master.
When you were watching Darth Vader lightsaber fighting with Obi Wan, you were watching Bob Anderson in the Vader costume. When you were watching the Princess Bride you were watching Anderson’s sword fighting choreography. When you were watching the Lord of the Rings you were seeing Bob’s work all over the screen.
Anderson coached Errol Flynn, Sean Connery, Viggo Mortenson, and Johnny Depp in the use of the sword and was Hollywood’s top swordsman.
Director of the movie Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson, said released a statement about Anderson’s passing.
“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.”
Anderson wasn’t just a Hollywood fantasy expert, though. He represented Britain in fencing at the 1952 Olympics and at the 1950 and 1953 World Championships, so he had a real world swordsman’s experience.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Anderson.
I leave you with Anderson’s great choreography for the Princess Bride…
Warner Todd Huston’s thoughtful commentary, sometimes irreverent often historically based, is featured on many websites such as Breitbart.com, among many, many others. He has also written for several history magazines, has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.
We already have our first passing in Hollywood. You won’t likely know his name, but Bob Anderson, 89, passed away just into this new year on the second of January (1922-2012).
Like I said, the name may not mean anything to you but you’ve most assuredly seen his work. Anderson, you see, was Hollywood’s most famous sword master.
