10 Star Wars Facts You Probably Already Knew Deep Down
2. Darth Vader Was Only 45 When He Died
Anakin Skywalker was just 22-years-old at the time of his turning to the dark side and ultimately becoming a crispy friend apprentice to The Emperor.
And with the end of Episode III and beginning of Episode IV only being 19 years apart, that eventually meant that by the time Darth Vader bit the dust in Return of the Jedi the Jedi-turned-Sith-turned-Jedi was only 45.
Admittedly, most likely assumed before the Prequel Trilogy was released that the fallen Jedi was well into his 70s at the time of his passing in Luke's arms on the Death Star II - he was played by a Sebastian Shaw, who was 78 at the time of ROTJ, after all.
And it's still easy to lose sight of the fact that Anakin was only in his mid-40s when taking in that emotional helmet reveal today.
But after watching the likes of Episodes I-III and other post-Prequel offerings, whilst also looking at where these events sit on the timeline, the fact that the most iconic big bad in the galaxy isn't actually as old as he appears in Episode VI is evident and it's a detail that has no-doubt long been present somewhere deep within you, too.
Almost getting horrifically burned to death and spending decades walking around in a rather painful suit ages you quite badly, apparently. Who knew?