A British actor best known for his role in the Star Wars franchise has died. He was 87.
Kenneth Colley, who starred as imperial officer Admiral Piett in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” died “peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on June 30 after contracting COVID and developing pneumonia,” according to his agent, Julian Owen, in a statement to the BBC.
Owens 60-year career spanned stage, film and television, including roles as Jesus in Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” and the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” for the BBC.
Colley was admitted to the hospital with an injured arm after a fall, but he quickly contracted COVID, which developed into pneumonia. He died with friends at his bedside.
Colley also starred in Clint Eastwood’s “Firefox” and the World War II series “War and Remembrance.”
Star Wars fans will remember his initial performance in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Darth Vader uses the Force to choke the general next to him while saying, “You have failed me for the last time.”
Looking frightened but resolute, Piett accepts his new position as admiral.
Colley reprised his role as Piett for the 2012 animated Lego production, “Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.”
Colley enjoyed traveling to Star Wars conventions and fan events all over the world and held several hobbies.
“Ken also loved his garden, art collecting and had a passion for fast cars,” Owen said.
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