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Boston Globe
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Kenneth Colley, 87, ‘Star Wars' actor with a commanding presence, dies
Advertisement In a 2014 interview, he recalled that when he walked into an office to meet Irvin Kershner, the director of 'The Empire Strikes Back,' Kershner told him he was looking for 'someone that would frighten Adolf Hitler.' Colley, with his gaunt face and steely eyes, fit the bill. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Admiral Piett is appointed top commander of the Imperial fleet after his superior is killed by Darth Vader (whose physical presence is played by David Prowse) for his poor judgment. Mr. Colley often said that he saw Admiral Piett as a shrewd operator who followed orders for the sake of survival in Darth Vader's world. In his interpretation of the character, he reinforced the severity and tension felt in the camp as the Rebel alliance evades capture. Advertisement The film grossed more than $200 million in its original release, according to the site Box Office Mojo, with Admiral Piett emerging as an unexpected crowd pleaser. As Mr. Colley liked to recall, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, asked him to come back for 'Return of the Jedi' (1983) after he received a flood of fan letters curious about Admiral Piett's backstory. Although the character wasn't included in the original script, Lucas wrote him into new scenes while on set. In the finished film, Admiral Piett leads the Imperial fleet until he is shot down by a Rebel fighter at the Battle of Endor. Mr. Colley relished the popularity of his role and appeared at conventions and fan events in the subsequent decades. He continued to interpret a wide assortment of roles, including an impudent left-wing journalist in a 1987 stage adaptation of John Hale's spy novel 'The Whistle Blower' (1984), but he mostly played villains, which, he told the magazine Star Wars Insider in 1987, was 'fine by me.' 'If you can burrow in deep and find some life there,' he said, 'that makes it interesting — you want to know more about this uniform.' Kenneth Colley was born Dec. 7, 1937, in Manchester, England. He began acting at the Bromley Repertory Company, where he worked as an assistant stage manager, according to The Guardian, and joined The Living Theater in Leicester in the early 1960s. He also trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company and with Laurence Olivier's National Theater Company. In the 1960s, he played bit roles in various TV series and televised theater productions, including 'ITV Play of the Week'; the anthology drama series 'Thirty-Minute Theater,' taking on the parts of Charles I and Hitler; and 'BBC Play of the Month.' He played a stammering accordion player in 'Pennies from Heaven' (1978), a major in 'The Danedyke Mystery' (1979) and Jesus in the film 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' (1979). Advertisement Mr. Colley married Mary Dunne in 1962. She died in 2018. Information on his survivors was not immediately available. His other notable performances include the Duke of Vienna in 'Measure for Measure,' a 1979 BBC Shakespeare production; Adolf Eichmann in 'Wallenberg' (1985); and a cranky recluse in a Nancy Meckler 2000 revival of Brecht's 1939 play 'Mother Courage and Her Children,' a role he 'brilliantly played for one scene only,' as Sheridan Morley wrote in The International Herald Tribune. In a hot streak during the 1980s, he acted in Clint Eastwood's 'Firefox' (1982); 'Giro City' (1982), as the titular vice admiral in the British miniseries 'I Remember Nelson' (1982); and alongside Gregory Peck in the TV movie 'The Scarlet and the Black' (1983). 'In one year, I worked with Clint Eastwood, Gregory Peck, and David Prowse,' he recalled in 1987. 'I got a crick in my neck from always looking up toward the stars!' This article originally appeared in
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kenneth Colley dies of Covid and pneumonia: A lung specialist explains the risks
The death of British actor Kenneth Colley, celebrated for his role as Admiral Piett in the beloved Star Wars franchise, has left many in the entertainment world mourning. Colley, who was 87 years old, died on June 30 after contracting Covid-19 and subsequently pneumonia while hospitalised for an arm injury sustained in a fall. His medical case underscores the importance of understanding that older adults are more susceptible to Covid-19 pneumonia, which may affect them more severely. Understanding COVID-19 Risks(Instagram) The connection between Covid-19 and pneumonia Covid-19 does not only induce cardiovascular complications but also lung problems in people. It is a viral infection that affects the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties. One of the serious complications of Covid-19 is pneumonia, which happens when the virus causes the lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid. Pneumonia caused by Covid-19 is different from regular pneumonia. In Covid-19, the virus directly attacks the air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli), making it hard for the body to get enough oxygen. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever. In some people, the condition can get worse quickly and lead to respiratory failure, which may require oxygen support or even a ventilator. Who is at a greater risk of Covid pneumonia? 'Understand that those with weak immune systems, the elderly, or those with health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease are at higher risk of developing Covid-related pneumonia,' Dr Samir Garde, Director of the Department of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, tells Health Shots. Timely management of pneumonia would be essential for better health, but prevention is the best cure. "It is necessary to cover your mouth while travelling or in public places, follow proper cough etiquette, and avoid being around people who are sick. Take utmost care of the lungs and prevent pneumonia," adds Dr Garde. Understanding pneumonia: Symptoms and causes What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid. Common symptoms include: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Fatigue In the context of Covid-19, pneumonia can manifest in two primary ways: through direct viral infection of lung tissue or as a result of an immune response that leads to inflammation. Age-related health risks of covid-19 Older adults are particularly susceptible to severe health risks from Covid-19 and pneumonia due to various factors: Declining immune function: As individuals age, their immune systems become less efficient, making it more challenging to combat infections. As individuals age, their immune systems become less efficient, making it more challenging to combat infections. Underlying health conditions: Many seniors have pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, which increase their risk of complications. Data indicates that elderly individuals are significantly more likely to be hospitalised with covid-19 and suffer higher mortality rates compared to younger populations. For instance, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that nearly 80% of Covid-19-related deaths in the US occurred among those aged 65 and older. Hospitalisation risks following falls in seniors In situations like Colley's, a seemingly simple event such as a fall can lead to severe health complications: Increased infection risk in hospitals: Hospital environments expose patients to various pathogens, elevating the risk of infections. Hospital environments expose patients to various pathogens, elevating the risk of infections. Pneumonia risk: Once hospitalised, individuals with Covid-19 face a heightened risk of developing pneumonia, complicating their recovery. Studies published in the medical journal Critical Care have shown a significant increase in pneumonia risk for patients diagnosed with covid-19. The importance of vaccination for older adults Kenneth Colley's situation serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for preventive measures among older adults, particularly vaccinations. Vaccination: Covid-19 vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing infection rates and preventing severe illness. Covid-19 vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing infection rates and preventing severe illness. Additional vaccinations: Seniors should also prioritise receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection. Seniors should also prioritise receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines to ensure comprehensive protection. Fall prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent falls can help reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and associated health risks. Preventing falls and infections in seniors The tragic passing of Kenneth Colley highlights the essential health risks faced by older adults as a result of a Covid-19 infection. His story encourages us to understand better and mitigate the dangers, particularly pneumonia, associated with covid-19. Tips for protecting seniors There are several approaches that families and caregivers can adopt to help protect older adults from Covid-19, pneumonia, and related health risks:
San Francisco Chronicle
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Beloved ‘Star Wars' character actor dies from COVID and pneumonia
Kenneth Colley, the distinguished English actor best known to audiences worldwide as Admiral Piett in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, has died at the age of 87. His death at his home in Ashford, Kent, was confirmed by his agent, Julian Owen, who said the actor had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and eventually succumbed to pneumonia. 'He had been admitted after a fall with an injured arm, however he quickly contracted Covid which developed into pneumonia,' Owen said in a statement. 'He passed away peacefully with friends at his bedside.' Colley's portrayal of the steady and often-overwhelmed Admiral Piett in 1980's 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 1983's 'Return of the Jedi' earned him a lasting place in one of cinema's most iconic franchises. He reprised the role decades later in the 2012 animated special 'Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.' Over a six-decade career, Colley left an indelible mark on British film, television and stage. He famously played Jesus in 'Monty Python's Life of Brian,' and appeared in a string of Ken Russell films as well as international projects like Clint Eastwood's 'Firefox' and the World War II miniseries 'War and Remembrance.' His television credits include' Peaky Blinders,' 'Pennies from Heaven' and 'The Sweeney.' 'Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years,' Owen said. 'Ken continually worked on stage, film and television playing a vast array of characters.'
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kenneth Colley, actor behind imperial villain in original 'Star Wars' trilogy, dies at 87
Kenneth Colley, an actor known to "Star Wars" fans for his role as an imperial villain in the original trilogy, has died. He was 87. Colley's agent Julian Owen confirmed the actor's death Thursday, July 3. Colley was admitted to the hospital after injuring his arm from a fall, but then quickly contracted COVID-19, which developed into pneumonia, Owen said. "Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years," Owen shared in a statement. "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." Colley starred as Admiral Piett in the 1980 "Star Wars" film "The Empire Strikes Back" and the sequel, 1983's "Return of the Jedi." "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," Owen said in the statement. "Ken loved his garden, art collecting and had a passion for fast cars." In a memorable scene from "The Empire Strikes Back," Darth Vader tells Piett he is now in command after Vader chokes another imperial to death. Piett goes on to share several more scenes with Vader throughout the film, keeping him up to date about the Empire's pursuit of the Millennium Falcon and telling Vader that he is being summoned by Emperor Palpatine. Piett later dies in an explosion during "Return of the Jedi." During an appearance at the Star Wars Celebration fan convention in 2016, Colley recalled that Piett wasn't originally going to be in "Return of the Jedi," but George Lucas decided to bring him back to due positive fan reaction to the character. Star Wars Day is here! Celebrate with our ultimate movie ranking Speaking in an interview on the official "Star Wars" YouTube channel, Colley said that viewers latched onto Piett because, despite being a villain, he's just "a man doing his job, and all the people out there doing their jobs understand that." 'Star Wars' actor Clive Revill, original voice of Emperor Palpatine, dies at 94 The actor also quipped, "Somebody once said to me, 'Ken, I saw you with Darth Vader in the scene, and when you were frightened of Vader, it was so good.' I said, 'I wasn't frightened of Vader. I was frightened of the dialogue!' But it works in the movies." Outside of "Star Wars," Colley portrayed Jesus in "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and appeared in movies like Clint Eastwood's "Firefox" and TV shows like "The Avengers" and "Peaky Blinders."
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who was Kenneth Colley? Star Wars' Admiral Piett dies at 87 from Covid — ‘He is immortalised in a galaxy far, far away,' say fans
Kenneth Colley, the British actor known for portraying Admiral Piett in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died at the age of 87. His agent, Julian Owen, confirmed Colley passed away peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on Monday, following complications from Covid that developed into pneumonia. Colley had been admitted to hospital with an arm injury after a fall, during which he contracted Covid. His agent noted that the actor died with friends by his side. A six-decade career in stage and screen Colley's acting career spanned over 60 years across stage, film, and television. In addition to Star Wars, he was recognised for his roles in Monty Python's Life of Brian, where he played Jesus, and in various Ken Russell films portraying darker, more eccentric characters. He also appeared as the Duke of Vienna in Measure for Measure for the BBC and worked in international productions, including Clint Eastwood's Firefox and the Second World War television series War and Remembrance. Continued legacy in the star wars universe Though best remembered for his role in the Star Wars franchise, Colley also voiced Admiral Piett in the 2012 animated Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. His association with the galaxy far, far away earned him invitations to conventions and fan events across the world. According to Owen, 'Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors,' with work that extended far beyond his most famous role. Fans took to social media to pay tribute, with one post reading, 'You are immortalised in a galaxy far, far away, and in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. May the Force Be With You.' Man… I'm gutted today. Learned Ken Colley passed way. Admiral Piett is one of my favorite SW characters and favorite officer along with Veers. Really bummed. Another wrote, 'Admiral Piett is one of my favourite Star Wars characters… Really bummed to hear of Ken Colley's passing.' Personal passions beyond the screen Outside his acting life, Colley was known to enjoy gardening, collecting art, and had a strong interest in fast cars. His agent described these as a few of the passions that defined his life beyond performance. Colley's lasting impact on cinema, particularly through Star Wars, and his broad range of roles in both classical and contemporary productions, leaves behind a memorable legacy in the entertainment world.
