When it comes to manipulating galactic history, cheating death, and delivering thunderous “unlimited power” speeches, Sheev Palpatine (better known as Emperor Palpatine or Darth Sidious) is in a league of his own. But for all the Sith lightning and clone resurrection weirdness, one question always lingers: how old was this guy, really?
Let’s break down Sheev Palpatine’s age across the Star Wars timeline—from his political beginnings on Naboo to his unholy comeback in The Rise of Skywalker.
🍼 When Was Sheev Palpatine Born?
Palpatine was born in 82 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) on the planet Naboo. His first name, Sheev, was revealed much later in the Star Wars canon, and no—there is no known middle name. (Though “Unlimited” might be a strong contender.)
🧑💼 The Phantom Menace – 32 BBY
Palpatine’s Age: 50
At 50 years old, Palpatine is a smooth-talking Senator from Naboo who seems like a harmless public servant. In reality, he’s already operating in secret as Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord orchestrating the fall of the Republic.
Behind the scenes, he manipulates the Naboo crisis, the Jedi Council, and Queen Padmé Amidala, ultimately earning himself the title of Supreme Chancellor by the end of Episode I.
⚔️ Attack of the Clones – 22 BBY
Palpatine’s Age: 60
Ten years later, Palpatine is still rocking the calm-grandfather-who-will-definitely-destroy-you energy. Now in his 60s, he’s presiding over a galaxy on the edge of civil war.
By this point, he’s secretly built a clone army, lured Count Dooku to the Dark Side, and kickstarted the Clone Wars. Not bad for a guy approaching retirement age.
🛑 Revenge of the Sith – 19 BBY
Palpatine’s Age: 63
In Episode III, the mask finally drops. At 63, Palpatine reveals himself as Darth Sidious, wipes out the Jedi with Order 66, turns Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader, and declares himself Emperor.
Also: he survives a full lightsaber duel with Mace Windu, force-lightning himself into a prune, and still comes out victorious. The man’s skincare routine may be questionable, but his Sith planning is flawless.
🧙♂️ The Empire Reigns – 19 BBY to 4 ABY
Palpatine’s Age: 63–86
As Emperor of the Galactic Empire, Palpatine rules the galaxy for over two decades. By the time of A New Hope (0 BBY), he’s 82 years old—the same age he was in real life at birth (circle of Sith life, right?).
By Return of the Jedi (4 ABY), he’s 86 years old and spends most of his time on the Death Star II, mentoring Vader, zapping rebels, and daring people to give in to hate.
He dies at 86… allegedly.
☠️ Palpatine Dies… But Does He? – 4 ABY
Age at First Death: 86
During the Battle of Endor, Palpatine is famously yeeted down a reactor shaft by Darth Vader, ending his tyrannical rule. Or so everyone thought.
Because in Star Wars, death is more of a suggestion than a rule.
🧬 The Rise of Skywalker – 35 ABY
Palpatine’s Age: Technically 118 (Clone Body)
Yes, Palpatine returns in Episode IX, because “somehow Palpatine returned.”
By this time, 35 years have passed since the Battle of Yavin, which means that if he had survived in his original body, he would be 118 years old.
However, the Palpatine we see in The Rise of Skywalker is a clone body, housing his twisted Sith spirit. Whether that body is brand-new or decades old is unclear, but the man inside it is 118 years’ worth of Sith baggage.
Clones don’t age the same way (especially when they’re held together by Sith magic, cultists, and cables), so let’s just say he feels ancient.
🧠 Quick Palpatine Age Timeline
| Star Wars Event | Year | Palpatine’s Age |
|---|---|---|
| Born on Naboo | 82 BBY | 0 |
| The Phantom Menace | 32 BBY | 50 |
| Attack of the Clones | 22 BBY | 60 |
| Revenge of the Sith | 19 BBY | 63 |
| A New Hope | 0 BBY | 82 |
| Return of the Jedi | 4 ABY | 86 |
| The Rise of Skywalker | 35 ABY | 118 (spirit age) |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Sheev Palpatine lived (and unlived) one of the longest and most influential lives in Star Wars history. From Senator to Sith Lord to twice-resurrected galactic terror, he pulled the strings behind nearly every major conflict in the Skywalker Saga.
Whether at 50 or 118, Palpatine proves that evil doesn’t sleep—and apparently doesn’t retire, either.
Stay connected with all our latest updates by following us on Google News! It only takes a click, and it would mean a lot to us. You’ll get the freshest news, exclusive content, and much more, right at your fingertips. Thanks for your support! 🙌
