Star Wars actor Gary Friedkin has passed away aged 70 after a long battle with coronavirus.
The veteran actor passed away with family at his side at Hospice House in Youngstown, Ohio due to complications from Covid-19.
He had previously endured a challenging three-and-a-half weeks battling the virus in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, according to his obituary in the Tribute Chronicle published earlier this week.
READ MORE: EastEnders icon June Brown’s kids to star in funeral episode as Dot is laid to rest
His obituary read: “While Gary may have been short of stature, he was a giant amongst his family and friends. His legacy will live on as stories are told and retold for years to come by all who loved him.
(Image: WireImage)
“He was a gift to all who knew him as an amazing son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and friend.”
Friedkin had his brother Alan and sister-in-law Carol by his side when he passed away earlier this week.
One of Friedkin’s most famous roles was starring as Clarence in three episodes of Happy Days back in 1982.
He also played an Ewok in iconic 1983 film Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
(Image: Getty Images)
His acting career on the big screen had began just a year earlier as he starred as a character named Wedgie in Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher comedy Under The Rainbow.
He also starred as a creature in an episode of the Twilight Zone in 1986, as Fiddy in live-action Snow White from 1987, and as Mash in 1992’s Cool World.
(Image: Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Friedkin’s final acting role on the big screen was starring as Shorty in 2016 film Mother’s Day which featured an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Shay Mitchell, Timothy Olyphant, and Jason Sudeikis.
He was a member of Little People of America which is a non-profit organisation “which provides support, resources, and information to individuals with dwarfism and their families.”
A celebration of his life will be held this spring, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
