Darth Vader actor heads to Las Vegas for celebrations in his name
Las Vegas will feel the force this weekend as thousands honour a North Wales actor on Spencer Wilding Day.
The Rhyl actor, who plays Darth Vader in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has been invited to Nevada’s iconic strip for celebrations in his honour.
The 44-year-old will fly out on Thursday ahead of the event this weekend.
He follows in the footsteps of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who was honoured in the city last year.
The event will delve into the life and career of the father-of-three, detailing his journey from kick-boxing champ and anti-bullying campaigner to Hollywood star and charity veteran.
Speaking to the Daily Post, 6ft 7ins Spencer, who has spent time in the States at various Comic Con events, said: “I feel really honoured to find out about Spencer Wilding Day in Vegas, although I must admit that, when I found out, I scratched my head and thought: why me?
“Spence from Rhyl getting celebrated in Vegas? It’s a bit out there but I’m really excited to get involved with it.”
The ceremony has been organised with Las Vegas Car Stars, whose charitable efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network help create experiences for children with special needs.
(Photo: Paul Casey Entertainment)
Showcasing more than 75 iconic television and movie vehicles, this year’s event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars.
Honours and proclamations will be presented to Spencer at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
From there, he will lead the 2017 Car Stars parade to downtown Las Vegas.
Some 200,000 visitors are expected to witness the spectacle, which will see vehicles escorted by Las Vegas’ Metro Police Department motorcycle division over 45 blocks.
Las Vegas Car Stars will pay homage to original TV shows and movies recognised worldwide, and a special meet and greet will be held with Spencer along with Back to the Future actress Tamera Carrera, Byron Cherry from the Dukes of Hazzard, and Catherine Hickland from Knight Rider.
Event promoter Paul Casey said: “Spencer will receive the highest awards that can be given and recognised in Las Vegas, which are City of Las Vegas Official Day, Clark County Official Day and the United States Senator proclamation.
“These will be presented at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign and on the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas loves Spencer Wilding and welcomes Darth Vader to the entertainment capital of the world.”
Last year, Spencer, who has also appeared in the Harry Potter movies, Hell Boy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Atlantis and The Wolfman, told the Daily Post he shed a tear when he first stepped into the Darth Vader costume.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I was so emotional. I just thought: ‘Wow, that’s Darth Vader.’
“I was starstruck by the suit and I was like a little kid. Tears started coming out of my eyes.”
For more information, visit lasvegascarstars.com.
