<Tr> <Th> Title </Th> <Td> Original trilogy: Galactic Emperor, Dark Lord of the Sith Prequel trilogy: Senator from Naboo Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic Dark Lord of the Sith </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Homeworld </Th> <Td> Naboo </Td> </Tr> <P> Sheev Palpatine (also known by his Sith identity Darth Sidious and publicly as Senator Palpatine, then Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, and later Emperor Palpatine) is a fictional character and one of the primary antagonists of the Star Wars franchise, mainly portrayed by Ian McDiarmid . In the original trilogy, he is depicted as the aged, pale - faced and cloaked Emperor of the Galactic Empire and the Sith master of Darth Vader . In the prequel trilogy, he is portrayed as a middle - aged charismatic Senator from Naboo who uses deception and political manipulation to rise to the position of Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic before transforming the Republic into the Empire . </P> <P> Though outwardly appearing to be a well - intentioned public servant and supporter of democracy prior to being Emperor, he is actually Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith--a cult of practitioners of the dark side of the Force previously thought to have been extinct for a millennium, and master of Darth Maul and Count Dooku . As his Sith identity, he is the mastermind behind the Clone Wars conflict . Playing both sides of the Republic and the Separatists, as Chancellor, Palpatine uses the conflict to gain more political power and stay in office long after his term has expired . He ultimately reorganizes the Republic into the Galactic Empire, declaring the Jedi as traitors who had attempted to assassinate him, having most killed through Order 66, and declaring himself as Emperor . He also manipulates Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker into turning to the dark side and serving as his new apprentice . Palpatine's reign is brought to an end when Vader unexpectedly turns against the dark side in order to save Luke Skywalker from being killed by his master . </P>

Who played the original emperor in star wars