Ian McDiarmid Discusses Playing Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi

[@christschool]

This guy is an extraordinary actor.

[@Wade_Fucking_Wilson]

christschool and underrated

[@DBarns7]

Damned straight. In fact, I think he deserved at least an Oscar nomination for his role in Ep. III. He really hit it out of the park as Sidious in that.

[@topocane67]

Yes, and his voice is amazing

[@bobuxdoesmemes924]

yes

[@michaelimondithereal]

Oh hell yes

[@71superbee3]

It's a credit to Ian that even during this interview you're waiting for the sudden explosion of evil.

[@clairemadeinheaven]

+71superbee3 I *am* the Senate.

[@toddmurphy69]

+Bre Fujimoto NOT Yet.

[@acash93]

+71superbee3 Unlimited Powah!

[@evilubuntu9001]

+71superbee3 He's still Chancellor Palpatine here. He hasn't been revealed as Darth Sidious yet.

[@Henu_K]

+UBUNTU UBUNTU that feel when you realize you can never trust this man, even when he's speaking with his normal voice

[@StormsandSaugeye]

Admit it. Ian *OWNED* the role. He had a freaking blast playing Palpatine.

[@joey8062]

supernaut why?

[@joey8062]

***** nah, its called opinion.

[@thedarktimewatcher1658]

Amy your not kidding

[@thewhitewolf3089]

Dew it!

[@joey8062]

***** lol

[@tdizz88]

Say what you want about the prequels at least they got Palpatine right. Nobody complains about how great Ian was

[@milk_man395]

tdizz88 Well yeah they got palpatine right in the prequels, its the same actor. In return of the jedi they made him look old and in the prequels they made him look young

[@jayestrada4094]

BattleGhost_CA Pre = Before

[@LolaMendoza2000]

@@jayestrada4094 No, he means the actor was like 20 years older and still they made him look younger than he was in the OT.

[@watertommyz]

Ian makes the movies worth watching. He loves the role.

[@fundhund62]

I couldn't think of anything they didn't get right with the prequels, to be honest.

[@yoda5523]

The whole senate is standing right there.

[@laniel9007]

Yoda I AM THE SENATE.

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

"Standing right there the whole senate is." Do the voice you must.

[@PressA2Die]

".... so I threw the senate at him, the WHOLE SENATE"

[@joshuanelsonanimations]

🎶I got the whole senate in my hands.🎶 Or: In your hands the whole senate is. Hmmm...

[@axechop]

"With the senate, you play. Hmm..."

[@leftyfourguns]

Only a pure gentleman and professional like him could make a character like the Emperor come to life.

[@nickmattio3397]

“It’s Treason Then...>:•O AAARRRGHGHHH!!! >:•O”

[@sageofsnake795]

You have to know how to be good to master being bad.

[@luongo7886]

So be it!

[@bradchervel5202]

All I knew is that he was extremely old and ran the universe, well thats a nice start.

[@jangofett4547]

thats like asking a non star wars fan who palpatine was

[@just_fn_around]

Jango Fett yea George Lucas

[@Chillerll]

All I knew is that he was the senate

[@giordanotoccaceli]

Uhb8b jjo

[@Jebu911]

@@jangofett4547 Thats probably how far his character was written at that point

[@wt8012]

'Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?'

[@alexw2805]

The Senate will decide your fate.

[@wt8012]

I *AM* the Senate!

[@alexw2805]

Not yet...

[@wt8012]

It's treason then...

[@alexw2805]

The oppression of the Sith will never return. You have lost.

[@dcfrank4904]

This is what makes acting such a marvellous craft. Palpatine is one of the most evil and sinister characters in the history of fiction and yet Ian himself is such a lovely soft spoken man.

[@DefineHatespeech]

DC Frank he’s merely hiding his true form!

[@meghnasaha4349]

That's what they said when he was just a Senator from Naboo

[@suningchen]

I fear that he will suddenly force lightning me.

[@phaneserichthoneus8895]

Yeah, this is the first time I've seen him speak out of character. He is a very nice man.

[@trycoldman2358]

*I am the Senate intensifies*

[@chasm671]

He clued himself in about who he was quite quickly.

[@codylane4258]

Not yet!

[@bbp2930]

@@codylane4258 it’s treason then...

[@SStupendous]

Of course you're here too

[@TeflonSheikh1987]

"The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some considered to be unnatural" Palpatine to Anakin

[@MegaRaymond2009]

+Hassan Sheikh That part of the movie was amazing, when he talks about Plagueis...

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

This guy was not yet 40 when he played Palpy for the first time and looked older than 100 doing it. Then, 16 years later, he was the exactly right age for Palp's senator *younger* face _without_ any makeup. This is an incredibly rare case of mindbogglingly good ageing makeup and perfect continuity of the de-ageing of a character. McDiarmid absolutely *nailed* the emperor from the start. In your face, Boba!

[@Thvndar]

Thinking about it now, the Emperor is the most important character in Star Wars, the whole saga revolves around his actions or the results of his actions

[@Thvndar]

The first openly admitted sith for 1,000 years. darth plagueis taught him, remember

[@reudensplasher1659]

I would argue it is anakin skywalker when you think about it because the story is not only about him but also about his family, and his old master so on.

[@マシュードーラン]

Thvndar It's all about Anakin/Vader. It always has been. His life and his bloodline

[@Thvndar]

wll, His description of Darth Plagueis in Episode III sounded pretty personal.

[@slothfromthegoonies8201]

Star Wars is a galactic family drama based around Darth Vader.

[@justnoah2073]

This man takes his job so seriously. He literally aged himself by 30 years for the prequel trilogy. What method actor.

[@SR-iy4gg]

No. He made himself appear younger in the prequel movies. He didn't "age himself." That would mean he made himself look older.

[@kmarman1]

@@SR-iy4gg wooooosh

[@BarnsOfChris]

​@@SR-iy4gg he did tho. he was 57 in episode 2 and was made to look like in his early 80s. you can compare his stage looks to his public appearances at the time, the difference is quite obvious

[@BarnsOfChris]

also just an afterthought on the topic 2 years later.. that was always ian's destiny in star wars wasn't it. in the originals he was in his late 30s when he played the 88 yearold emperor. only difference to the prequels was the face mask. i guess it was more remarkable in the prequels that a middle aged man plays an even older role.. kudos to ian for not getting melancholic about that lol

[@billygilmusic5072]

when he said "his voice should be deeper" changing to palpatine's tone gave me chills. this man is truly a legend.

[@captainyossarian388]

"So be it....Jedi." My favorite line of his. He couldn't possibly say Jedi with more vehemence.

[@ThomB1031]

I think that line to myself when I'm trying to accomplish a difficult task. The way he says it was so fantastically taunting.

[@Aivottaja]

He has a talent for turning benevolent words into something else. "The nastiest word to come out of his mouth is 'friend'".

[@holiciomes]

Agree! That line always gets me. The music on that scene really fits, definitely on of my favourite scenes.

[@ComputerLearning0]

Wish Ian would have done his "emperor" voice just one time in this clip . . .

[@sonnylee2193]

It's be to risky cuz there's so many Jedi around

[@Lumanova]

At least he did his chancellor voice.

[@Rockshredder]

I do a pretty good impression of him! I wanted to hear it too!

[@naterk9460]

It would have been a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@maidenslayer]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXioaWacitSfpK8

[@Cheburashka207]

Best Emperor and Palpatine ever.Thank you Ian. I really enjoyed his acting is Ep3.Awesome. "I love Republic and I love democracy"

[@mihajlotodorovic4412]

+Cheburashka207 Translation: "Oh my God I can't stand it any longer in this room! This is the GALACTIC SENATE for God sake and we can't afford an air conditioner? Oh, wait. That was in the last months bill I didn't pay. I'll ask for Dooku to pay it. Now, where was I... AH YES! I lie and I lie. I hate Republic. I hate democracy. Did I say it out loud?"

[@SamuraiZero]

I find your lack of humor disturbing

[@alfar5879]

I can't believe how gentle he actually is. I really like him. His portrayal was beyond fantastic!!

[@bardia8905]

oh man what an amazing guy and extremely talented actor indeed. All hail Emperor Palpatine!

[@Leon-Hardt]

My dark side Hero......"Unlimited Pawaaaaah!"

[@brandonselitetv1436]

David Rojas uuuuhh uh uh MINUTES UNLIMITED MINUTES

[@Leon-Hardt]

+RevolveTechUSA 99 😆😆😆😆😈😈😆😆

[@Leon-Hardt]

LegendOfLegends19100 Fathad! help me ! aahhhhhh!

[@brandonselitetv1436]

David Rojas hahahahahaha(Realize a guy next to him) *cough* Uhhh uhhh Flight 193 Come in

[@odiemodie1]

"I told you... The Jedi are taking over!"

[@loghanditheimperialdiehard8876]

I actually met Ian McDiarmid In a small town in northern Scottland. He came out on his front porch and talked to us. He lived right on the ocean but it didn't seem like he wanted people to know he lived there. He told me that he was trying to escape the celeb life. I don't think anyone really knows where he lives. . . probably partially because the townfsolk respect his privacy. My friend asked if we could get a picture but I told him I didn't want to invade his privacy and he said, "your being cool, I respect that"

[@dalekswartz2092]

He seems like a really neat guy. I would like to meet him one day.

[@enviousgaming3250]

+Loga Nator id alos like to meet him he was my favorite actor in the IIIrd movie because he did a great job as him

[@enviousgaming3250]

+Loga Nator i guess he went into exile after "execute order fail episode 3" see what i did there

[@loghanditheimperialdiehard8876]

Jesse Case true

[@enviousgaming3250]

Loga Nator but he is still a great person, i look up to him

[@brottarnacke]

His is one of the very best characters in the whole franchise in my opinion. My favorite movies in the series are Revenge of the Sith and Return of the Jedi, partially because they are the ones where the Emperor has the most playroom, but also because I like the whole Anakin, Luke, Emperor storyline. The voice is perfect, just pure, merciless, Vincent Pricean evil. Ian McDiarmid really deserves tons of credit for his performance.

[@MsMaster563]

This guy needs to come back.

[@ugiustuskeiserus8066]

RafaelGamez He did in EU

[@_baller]

Disney would end up ruining him as well.. as Disney is the true dark side

[@flo2008a]

Seems like Disney heard you.

[@joshinji5657]

Your wishes have been granted

[@quocvietophu5452]

say no more

[@tonezone117]

Are you threatening me Master Jedi

[@Stodolarovka111]

It's treason then...

[@HorusLupercal866]

I am the senate

[@Pauly421]

Not. Yet,

[@HorusLupercal866]

Paul McDonagh then you will experience the full power of the dark site

[@allmight6451]

King Bradley AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

[@gogoyubari7042]

Ian was masterful in Ep:1&2. In Ep:3 I thought he desrved an Oscar nod. He was so strong... everyone hung on his words throughout... when he finally opened up in that beautiful Darth Plageius speech... Wow... just creeping crawling goosebumps!

[@Reb3nga]

Power......UNNNNLIMITED POOOOWEEEEEEEHHH!!!!!

[@kthx1138]

ZZZZZZZZ-AP!

[@beefboylatestestorona3963]

Take a seat young Senate.

[@u.v.s.5583]

@@beefboylatestestorona3963 T'is travesty in that case!

[@brickforge12]

It's treason then..

[@Hyparbeem526]

If I ever meet this guy I'd make him recite my favorite line of his: "Dew it"

[@moose6985]

LOL

[@james739123]

sorry, he's been dead nearly 2 years

[@james739123]

***** that's not what I've herd, that why they got Tim Curry to do Palpaten in the clone wars

[@james739123]

the clown wars TV show, he did the first five seasons but Tim did some lines for season five and all on the lost episodes in season six

[@marty_dee]

james739123 clown WARs lol!

[@IngemarKenyatta]

I will never understand why people hate Lucas the way they do. He had the vision to understand what tone these movies needed. A character like the Emperor will NEVER be created under Disney's control.

[@mgoblrich]

Who hates Lucas & why??

[@jmurray1110]

People hate his writing and gif a while people didn’t like him for bringing us the prequel and “ruining their childhood” but that’s generally died down Strange magic was still a disaster though

[@mrgps4393]

Disney is the emperor and the senate.

[@monmothma3358]

I don't hate Lucas but I think a lot of us now have a pretty good idea of what his strengths and weaknesses are. He's a great visionary and I'm in awe of his ideas and storytelling talents. However, he's not good at instructing actors (Ian says as much here) or writing dialogue. Which is why the prequels had bad script and acting, but a great overall story. Which is why Lucas should be kept on board to inspire movie stories (like the Disney sequels lacked), but not direct movies.

[@iLikeTheUDK]

Mr. Senate himself

[@hynjus001]

Are you threatening me, master Jedi?

[@davecrupel2817]

FreeGoro The Senate will decide your fate.

[@jayjayem00]

I AM THE SENATE.

[@Bardock10235]

Rubeus Hegrid Not yet!

[@hokage64th]

K den - I mean "Its treason then..." *ignites lightsaber*

[@roberthrodebert9263]

Nailed it! Most evil villain in cinematic history.

[@mr.hydrogen3189]

Hands down. I 100% agree.

[@mvttz]

Mr. Hydrogen he made Revenge of the Sith a great film

[@liljoe1337]

Robert's Art Studio one of the best like the joker

[@vasqu3z_7]

there are waaay more evil villains xd

[@mq5731]

OK sooo….I’m trying to think of a more EVIL villain than Emperor Palpatinr…But it’s hard…Thanos wasn’t really Evil. Thanos comes off as a misguided and strong willed villain. Comparing him to Palpatine is an apples to oranges comparison. The Joker is another strong villain contender for best villain in cinema, but again, it’s apples to oranges. The Joker wasn’t evil in the manipulative, conquering, and dominating way. He was evil in an insane and psychopathic way. Like…Its genuinely hard to think of a villain as bad as Palpatine.

[@eurologic]

shouldve got an oscar nomination for return of the jedi. not joking.

[@1MagicAndMayhem1]

+eurologic lol haha '; ]

[@agustinbaletti]

and revenge of the sith, that was darker

[@Ampwich]

For all 4 movies he's done, really.

[@Jmgjgdjd5]

he was nominated for best movie villain in ROTS

[@Jmgjgdjd5]

Martin St Clare mine too

[@Argumemnon]

"Very few people had the full script, in those days". Yeah, nowadays everyone has the full script before the movie is released. :(

[@thegreenassassin553]

Even people who are not involved in the process of making the movie, and spoil everything for others on the internet :/

[@joaquinbarboza3223]

Not in the case of Avengers: Infinity War. Several actors were given fake scripts so they would not spoil the ending

[@daniel-j-harris]

Ian: "George should I stick with this new voice I've come up with?" George: "Dew it!".

[@cristianmr08]

His monotone voice reminds me so much of Palpatine. Even if he didn’t play Palpatine, I’d still be reminded

[@conradojavier]

i'd be nice to nice him reprise his role in Rouge One for one last time.

[@spaaaaace8952]

+Conrado Javier Rogue*

[@LiquidArmProduction]

+Conrado Javier I'm glad you'd be nice to him for doing that. I think it was Lucas who said "If a lot of people loved each other, then the world would be a better place."

[@MrCODEmaster999]

+Conrado Javier Brilliant idea. He and Vader should return.

[@rogerpuzzitiello]

+LiquidArmProduction ha ha ha, what a story LiquidArm!

[@Kanglar]

I'd be nice to nice him too.

[@thedarktimewatcher1658]

he was born to play the master of the dark side. trust me...................................

[@chadryan9900]

Meet him back in 2012 at Celebration 6. Very nice guy.

[@super22ll]

A craftsman who approaches his roles with the utmost skill and hard work. I’m so grateful we had him as our emperor, Alec Guinness as Obi Wan and Peter Cushing as Moff Tarkin. The original trilogy will always be my favorite.

[@mgoblrich]

Amazing cast,classic

[@kingpin6989]

Never heard the word sepulchral before. Thanks to Ian for introducing me to it.

[@TheRomanRuler]

Perhaps best villain ever. Darth Vader is more of a good guy, kind of.

[@CABOOSEBOB]

TheRomanRuler tell that to the yunglings

[@ramisgoogleacc702]

CABOOSEBOB tell that to kanjiclub

[@odiemodie1]

TheRomanRuler those poor rebel soldiers in RO...

[@TheRomanRuler]

CABOOSEBOB Those younglings were just casted as extras, they are not main characters, so there is nothing wrong with killing them ^movie logic^

[@odiemodie1]

After seeing RO, the perspective of Vader being somewhat being 'A good guy compared to the Emperor is savagely changed.

[@AnIdiotsLantern]

I love the idea of Luke and the Emperor palling around talking Monty Python and British comic books. There is peace in the galaxy!

[@watertommyz]

I think he meant comics as in stand up comics.

[@mylifeisacomplexpastiche7901]

@@watertommyz Why not both?

[@johnthwaites5976]

@@watertommyz it is comic books. Mark would read British comics like the Beano and Dandy. He posted a photo of how he was still a member of the Beano club

[@andrewpudlo7680]

UNNLIMMITTEEDDD POOOWWEERRR!!!!!

[@Saint_Wolf_]

VIEEEEEEEEEEWSSSSSSS! UNLIMITEEEEEED VIEEEEEWWWSSSSSS!

[@sheevpalpatine7588]

*FZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAP* POWAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

[@strikezero01]

the moment he mention the word "stronger" , dam!! the vibes XD nice G. Lucas your work is legendary

[@dazediss6629]

Easily the most underrated performance of all time.

[@Red88Rex]

Ian created one of the best characters in the entire story! I'm so glad he came back for the prequels because his face shape and voice are simply too unique for anyone else to play the part.

[@vodeankandosii3982]

His voice is amazing and gives me chills every time.

[@derpserious1532]

Oh no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken, about a great many things.

[@Emperor_Palpatine]

Goooood Goooood

[@memelordtv2661]

@@Emperor_Palpatine i am the senate

[@bloody_outlaw8000]

ghhoood...

[@JK_2998]

DEWIT

[@ΑρηςΜακρης-π4τ]

Jimbob fulfill your destiny

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

*I AM the senate!*

[@CINCINATVS]

Let the hate flow trought you

[@mvttz]

Ian's performance made episode 3 successful

[@u.v.s.5583]

How can you say this? It is unfair. It is outrageous. How can you be on the movie and not make it successful?

[@a.z.c.5462]

*I AM THE SENATE*

[@rmcl7583]

youtube account 123456789 NOT YET

[@grego7345]

ray macul It's treason, then.

[@rmcl7583]

Arrrrrrrrgghh

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

+Drunken Pheasants I have autism, and I find that offensive.

[@lazyatthedisco]

Probably hacking the Pentagon or CIA, if movies have showed us anything.

[@theengineer6213]

I love how he portrayed the emperor. His presence and how he carried himself was just pure fucken evil.

[@josemiguelmarquescampo4902]

Ian McDiarmid is an extraordinary actor. As the Emperor, he instilled fear, if only through his voice. A perfect casting!

[@dwightchapman9090]

It's hard to listen too without thinking he's about to do something evil....he nailed his part in every way. Who would've thought he'd be in it till the end. Awesome sir....you'll go down in history.....

[@hasieretxaparekareaga3993]

A humble, articulate man and an actor of impeccable talent and exceptional commitment to his craft. One of the all time greats.

[@mrgreenland21]

One of the greatest Villains ever

[@Cuban20]

I like his dark voice. It exudes power and strength while at the same time being creepy and mysterious.

[@steliosstamatialis8169]

Ian's performance as Palpatine/The Emperor is easily the high point of the prequels, and perhaps Return of the Jedi as well. You can tell in every one of his scenes that he's having an absolute blast, and because he is clearly enjoying it so much, we enjoy it even more. Long Live The Emperor!

[@alfieharries]

The original trilogy had some of the best casting of any film. It really feels like the stars aligned and around George brought together some really special people from all departments to create something really special. Total cinema phenomenon

[@TheJokerMan2]

Such an eloquent man, I loved him not only in Star Wars but his duel roles in Macbeth….phenomenal work

[@Rcity2332]

The more I watch Star Wars the more I fall in love with his acting style. Every line he says his bloody brilliant! I would send him an Oscar if I could.

[@joshuagavile4775]

Part of me wants him in Game of Thrones and play a villainous lord or something

[@isakaldazwulfazizsunus7564]

+Josh Gavile That would make the series tolerable again, if for only an instant.

[@ProgressiveMetalist]

Ian, Christopher Lee, and Max Von Sydow are all classy and esteemed older English actors. They cast Von Sydow in the new Star Wars but had him play a tired and timid old man who was a good guy and killed him off within the first sequence. They reeeeeeally missed out there, I think Max should have played a new villain

[@isakaldazwulfazizsunus7564]

blingabi aino Since season 5.

[@isakaldazwulfazizsunus7564]

blingabi aino The plot is thickening, they have to change stuff from what G.R.R. Martin has in store, so they're partially on their own, they have a hard time managing the genre shift from political fiction to heroic fantasy, the original bad planning is starting to show its effects...

[@tvetovnato3997]

Von Sydow isn't English though.

[@doomgal5872]

He and Hayden C should make a cameo in VII and VIII. Would love to see it.

[@jordancheetham3348]

+Panchee123 Hey hayden was alright

[@irottaalfurinn2539]

+Jordan Cheetham yea lucas made him look bad

[@jordancheetham3348]

Raptor raptors true

[@povertygamer]

+Doom Gal Hayden and McGregor will be in VIII and IX as force ghosts along with Yoda

[@wazzobazzo]

+Paul Lizzi And they'll all be having ghost anal.

[@bdr113080]

When you look up the word actor a picture of Ian should just pop up. Even though the prequels weren't perfect movies Ian stole every scene he was in. He gave us the perfect Palpatine.

[@haha-lj5sq]

I think he was better in return of the Jedi. “I think you will find the shields are quite operational..” in a caring, concerned voice. Absolute chills.

[@warrenbfeagins]

"ONCE MORE THE SITH WILL RULE THE GALAXY................and we.... shall have........ peace." An absolutely astounding delivery of a line showing the ruthless thirst for power and then the calmness and tranquility at the thought of it behind realized ending with a slight grin to indicate what life will be like under their rule.

[@Rekaert]

The prequels had a lot of terrible things in them, but Ian McDiarmid wasn't one of them. He was brilliant throughout.

[@marcprimo9316]

best scene in episode 3 when he kills mace windu. infant best scene in the prequels.

[@Wade_Fucking_Wilson]

Yeah right and the dated originals are flawless eh

[@originaluddite]

I love him in Return of the Jedi. I also like him in the prequels while he's still the scheming politician, but feel his acting became schlock-horror hokey by the end of the fight scene with Mace Windu, and during much of his fight with Yoda. Having said that, I'm inordinately fond of the line "my little green friend'...

[@FreedomDefender07]

Ewan McGregor was excellent as Obi-Wan and Christopher Lee was excellent as Count Dooku as well.

[@JayKhwaja]

I wish Ian made an appearance in Rogue One, such shame it wasn't possible.

[@odiemodie1]

Jay Khwaja you may never know.... Like Lucas himself, Disney will redo some scenes and insert Ian as The Emperor in RO, sometime in the not so distant future...

[@JayKhwaja]

odiemodie1 I really hope so

[@alesin1992]

It's a good thing that he didn't show up. At this point in the story the Emperor was a reclusive and ominous figure, and having him in person would have ruined that image of his. Rogue One relies way too much on nostalgia anyway instead of being a good movie by itself.

[@odiemodie1]

alesin1992 As much I admit I wouldn't mind seeing him making a cameo in RO, your point is well taken, that would be best he is not to make an appearance just yet. But as I have mentioned, i will not be surprised Disney goes for the money shot and put Ian right in there at some portion of the movie... When? Knowing them, they'll make up one part.

[@talkingcyber718]

alesin1992 no it didn't rely too much. Stop complaining

[@LamanKnight]

And this went on to become a voice so famous that you can recognize whose voice it is without even seeing him.

[@williamburke1731]

I met Ian McDIARMID at Star Wars Celebation in Florida this past April. He seemed rather quiet and reserved, but basically friendly. I do believe he's not much for the limelight.

[@Caleb-ww2wl]

My mind is blown by the fact all his lines were dubbed, you couldn’t even tell!

[@Paulafan5]

Even back then they had the ability to sync it up pretty good. Dubbing is seamless if you take the time to do it right.

[@beammeup8654]

It amazes me such a polite Gentleman can play the role of the most EVIL being in the Universe. And do it so convincingly, it sends shivers down my spine. And in every behind the scene's video, every interview I've ever seen, Ian is one of the nicest people you could possibly meet. And his co-stars all say the same. I've never heard a negative comment about him. Yet, when he's in costume, & that savage voice snarls from his chest, it's frightening. And I'm a big guy!!! So I tip my hat to a great Actor, & a true Gentleman. You are very convincing!!! If we ever do meet, Please DON'T do that voice! cheers!

[@agenthunk5070]

I never knew the same guy played the emperor in the old 80s versions until i watched the first menace and episode 2 and 3 growing up early 2000s. Then I realized , dam its the same guy.

[@zakimaulana1929]

I *LOVED* his acting

[@Meby]

Why does this get recommended to me 8 years later

[@OmniSphinx]

This guy is a legend and his portrayal of palpatine is iconic but isn't talked about like other big actors

[@punishedvenomsnake716]

This man terrifies me, that's how good of an actor he is

[@Alex-bm5rc]

good... goooooooood

[@MichaelVRizzuto]

Alex it’s Ghhoooddd!!!

[@DarioPardo]

I WANT him to win an oscar for whatever just to hear his speech.

[@Floppy-1235]

I love listening to great actors talk about their craft. Just listening to him subtly change his voice is amazing.

[@travilicious]

I got his autograph several years ago. I rarely get starstruck when meeting celebrities, but with him, I really couldn't speak.

[@darthrevan4376]

One of the greatest performances in movies history, especially in RotJ and RotS. It's poetry, they rhyme.

[@Beepboop-uw4cg]

"The situation couldn't have been stronger" MY RESOLVE HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER

[@Milly5216]

Emperor with goatee cant hurt me, Emperor with goatee cant hurt me, Emperor with goatee cant hurt me

[@bruceli9094]

Plot twist: That's actually Palpatine playing Ian McDiarmid

[@Geohillierneo]

I never realised it was the same actor in the prequel trilogy playing Palpatine!

[@shryoder]

*He is back!!! He is back as the emperor in Star Wars IX: The Rise Of Skywalker!!!*

[@darkspartan1573]

Palatine: "have u ever heard the tragedy of darth plaguies the wise?" Anakin: "yes" *end credits play*

[@u.v.s.5583]

Palpatine: So? Good, good, then we may skip the introduction and move straight to the business. Will you slay the younglings to save Padme?

[@TheMcDalorianFett]

Crazy to think that Palpatine is twenty years younger than Dooku in Revenge of the Sith

[@beaupeterson188]

I absolutely love him as the Emperor. Did such a great job. Never really had a dull scene or performance. Always solid.

[@extremelegend19]

dude.....I could listen to this dude all day. Freaking beautiful

[@TheEmpressPalpatine]

His voice in that role gave me chills. Ian was perfect for the part.

[@tonyduran5845]

Not to diminish some of the others, but this is the best actor in the entire franchise.

[@SuperTunnelBoy]

Nice to come back to this now that he's returned for the Rise of Skywalker

[@DarthVader19-77]

I love listening to intelligent interviews. Ian McDiarmid has THAT voice to do so.

[@ReginaMills-c4d]

His voice is so calm.

[@PedroSavioo]

i cant imagine anyone better then him to play this role.. i really have some hope that palpatine will be back

[@antblake1030]

This man is beyond human. This guy could teach royalty how to act in an expected regal manner. Amazing actor.

[@FunOfTheChase]

Going to need the Emperor to get me to watch the upcoming films. Just make a scene at the start of Ep. VII where that poof when he was thrown down that conduit was actually him pulling a propellant force grenade out of his robe and launching himself up to a door, and then he climbed out and escaped in a shuttle. Oh and if you want me to go back for repeat views, when he lands on that door, Jar Jar is standing there saying "wassa you still doing alive?", then Palpatine decapitates him.

[@mrExcellent101]

I would love to see Palpatine in the new film and yes Jar-Jar Binks needs to die.

[@ky93le]

Who are you and how have you such knowledge of episode VII? Who do you work for? The Rule of II forbids any further episode spoiling!

[@waldoman7]

surviving that way would be really stupid imo. I can't think of a believable way. We could have his force ghost though

[@30907bng]

I'm with you man the sidious character should return, he makes things very exciting hands down the greatest vilian ever,i think jj abrams can find a way to bring palpatine back for god's sake he's a sith lord he could've survived his fall, it's not impossible would love too see what he looks 31 yrs later.

[@ky93le]

Yeah with all the medical breakthroughs he will probably look younger if anything

[@TimBurbank237]

My scenes were strong... and the situation has NEVER been STRONGER!!!

[@Eggy79]

Imagine getting to be a fly on the wall for the meeting between Ian McDiarmid and Mark Hamill when Mark explains the SW lore to him.