Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader was 45 years of age when he died. People ask for Anakin's / Vader's age at various times in his life, and I've made a timetable for major events in his life and his age at that time.
The Star Wars timeline revolves around the Battle of Yavin, which serves as a reference point for the events and origins of all characters. Darth Vader spent half of his life as Anakin Skywalker before turning to the Dark Side and dying in Return of the Jedi at the age of 45.
While it seemed like Anakin had lived a long life, his choices eventually led to his demise at 45. Though half of his life was filled with tragedy, he managed to make things right with the time he had and gained a Jedi burial that had him reunite with his old Master and Yoda.
Luke was martyred at age 84 in the Greek city of Thebes. His remains were taken to Constantinople about 338 CE and later moved to Padua, Italy, where they are kept in the Basilica of Santa Giustina.
For context, the character was born in 41 BBY and died 4ABY, so he was around 45 years old during the movie. The obvious explanation comes down to poor overall planning. While James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader and David Prowse played the villain in costume, Lucasfilm brought in Sebastian Shaw for the unmasking scene.
Lord Vader: A Star Wars Story (2026) | Teaser Trailer | Lucasfilm & Star Wars (4K)
Was Darth Vader 45 when he died?
He would have been in his 30s for most of Rebels. He was in his 40s during the original trilogy, 41 standard in 3277 (Rogue One, ANH), and 45 when he died in 3281.
While he had suffered fatal injuries from the Emperor's lightning, Vader's redeeming final act restored his consciousness to Anakin Skywalker, and he had one last moment with Luke before peacefully accepting his death.
Leia Organa was born in 19 BBY, so Rebels would take place while she is between the ages of 14 and 19 or so. How old was Princess Leia in The Rise of Skywalker? Rise of Skywalker takes place in 35 BBY, the year Leia Organa Solo dies at the age of 54.
Many are often shocked to find that Obi-Wan was only 57 years old when he died fighting Darth Vader in A New Hope. For many, the issue of Obi-Wan's age is a plot hole, as he was initially seen as this old solitary man, but Star Wars made him younger than he looked in the original trilogy.
Given the years between these comics' publications, it's hard to tell if Gillen built this argument intentionally or not. Regardless, the core concept is still true. Thanos wields more power and authority than Darth Vader, existing as a stronger and more capable villain overall.
Yoda's age at death, a hasty 900 years old, reveals the absurd constancy of his species. This fantastic life span sheds ablaze on the mysteries of the Star Wars universe. His continued activity accustomed him to coach endless Jedi, including the allegorical Luke Skywalker.
How old was Anakin when Luke and Leia were born? In canon, he was 22 (he was born in 41 BBY, and Luke and Leia were born in 19 BBY). In Legends, accounts vary saying he's either 22 or 23. Interestingly enough, he was around two years younger than Ben Solo was in the TLJ flashback were Luke reads his mind.
Hayden Christensen makes a pivotal return as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka episode 5, with his appearance being digitally de-aged using CGI. Flashbacks to the Clone Wars in Ahsoka episode 5 feature a young Ahsoka and Anakin with his hair and armor from the early seasons of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
As the Death Star had been destroyed, and the Battle of Yavin had finally taken place, the years then moved into ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). It's said that Star Wars: Return of the Jedi takes place during 4 ABY, meaning Palpatine was 88 when he met his original end.
Leia's journey yields a time dilation of 62.6 days; however Luke experiences a time dilation of 700.8 days (1.92 years). The students concluded that Luke is therefore 1.75 years younger than Leia, possibly rendering them the first twins ever to have over a year between their ages.
Not only did she give birth to Ben Solo (who went on to become Kylo Ren) when she was 24 years old, but she was also trained by Luke and even had her own lightsaber, which Rey used in Rise of Skywalker, though it's unknown exactly when the training happened, so how old she was when she was Luke's apprentice is a ...
Following Palpatine's final defeat and her own resurrection, Rey adopts the name Rey Skywalker to honor her mentors and their family legacy and renounce her lineage.
A year later, in 4 ABY, with his health rapidly declining, Yoda died of old age when Skywalker returned to see him. He became one with the Force, shortly before Luke redeemed his father Anakin, who fulfilled his destiny as the Chosen One by killing Sidious.
