Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley has died aged 87 after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia.
The English actor had a career spanning over 60 years but was best known for starring in the iconic Star Wars films. He played imperial officer Admiral Piett – the commander of Darth Vader’s flagship – in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
In 2012, he reprised his famous role when he voiced the character in the animated Lego film adaptation – Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. He also starred as Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian and alongside Clint Eastwood in the 1982 movie Firefox.
Colley died “peacefully” surrounded by loved ones on June 30 in Ashford, Kent, his agent Julian Owen announced. Owen hailed Kenneth as one of Britain’s “finest character actors” in a touching tribute.
(Image: FilmMagic)
He wrote: “He had been admitted after a fall with an injured arm, however he quickly contracted Covid which developed into pneumonia. He passed away peacefully with friends at his bedside.
“Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years. Ken continually worked on stage, film and television playing a vast array of characters, from Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian to evil and eccentric characters in Ken Russell films, and the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure for the BBC.”
(Image: Disney+)
He went on: “Ken’s favourite part was playing Estragon in the stage production of Beckett’s classic Waiting for Godot at the Cockpit Theatre in London in 2014.
He also told fans how Kenneth was one of the “best loved actors” from the original Star Wars trilogy. He continued: “Ken’s participation in Star Wars led him to being invited to conventions and official fan events all over the World where he remains one of the best loved actors from the original trilogy. Ken loved his garden, art collecting and had a passion for fast cars.”
(Image: PA)
In recent years, Kenneth appeared in shows such as The Bill, Holby City, Misfits, Peaky Blinders and Vera. He starred alongside the likes of John Cleese, Michael Palin and Graham Chapman when he played Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Fans have paid tribute to the star on social media. A Star Wars fan wrote: “You are immortalized in a galaxy far, far away, and in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. May the Force Be With You.”
Another added: “Sad to hear about Kenneth Colley’s passing. Covid and pneumonia are still taking a toll. RIP to the Admiral Piett actor.” A third commented: “Man… I’m gutted today. Learned Ken Colley passed away. Admiral Piett is one of my favorite SW characters and favorite officer along with Veers.”
A fourth added: “Aww that’s really sad Ken was a lovely fellow. I just watched him yesterday being Jesus in “Life of Brian” – probably the 100th time I’ve seen it! Thank you Ken and May the Force be with you, always.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
