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Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley dies at 87
Kenneth Colley played Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983). NEW YORK - English actor Kenneth Colley, who is best known for his role as Admiral Firmus Piett in the original Star Wars trilogy (1977 to 1983), died on June 30 in Ashford, England. He was 87. Colley's agent Julian Owen said in a statement that the actor died in a hospital from complications of pneumonia after contracting Covid-19. Colley became a memorable screen presence for international audiences who could recognise his dour, stony face even if they did not know his name. A versatile supporting actor, he was often tapped to play stern detectives, military men and, on multiple occasions, Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. He had been active for nearly two decades onstage and on-screen before his appearance in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His stone-cold portrayal of Admiral Piett, the trusted officer of villain Darth Vader, in the sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), turned him into a fan favourite and earned him a call back for Return Of The Jedi (1983). In a 2014 interview, Colley 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. Admiral Piett is appointed top commander of the Imperial fleet after his superior is killed by Darth Vader (whose physical presence is played by late English actor David Prowse) for his poor judgment. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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The film grossed more than US$200 million in its original release, according to the site Box Office Mojo, with Admiral Piett emerging as an unexpected crowd pleaser. As Colley liked to recall, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, asked him to come back for Return Of The Jedi after he received a flood of fan letters curious about Admiral Piett's backstory. Although the character was not 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 the damaged command ship crashes into the Death Star at the Battle of Endor. 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 on Dec 7, 1937, in Manchester, England. He began acting at the Bromley Repertory Company, where he worked as an assistant stage manager, according to British newspaper The Guardian, and joined The Living Theatre in Leicester in the early 1960s. He also trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company and with late English actor Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company. In the 1960s, Colley played bit roles in various TV series and televised theatre productions, including ITV Play Of The Week; the anthology drama series Thirty-Minute Theatre, 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). 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 late theatre critic Sheridan Morley wrote in The International Herald Tribune newspaper. In a hot streak during the 1980s, Colley acted in American actor-director Clint Eastwood's Firefox (1982); in Giro City (1982), a drama about investigative journalism and censorship starring late English actress Glenda Jackson; as the titular vice-admiral in the British historical miniseries I Remember Nelson (1982); and alongside late American actor 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.' NYTIMES
Boston Globe
3 days 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
New York Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Kenneth Colley, 87, ‘Star Wars' Actor With a Commanding Presence, Dies
Kenneth Colley, the British character actor whose stone-cold portrayal of Adm. Firmus Piett, Darth Vader's trusted officer, in the Star Wars film 'The Empire Strikes Back' turned him into a fan favorite and earned him a call back for 'Return of the Jedi,' died on June 30 in Ashford, England. He was 87. His agent, Julian Owen, said in a statement that he died in a hospital from complications of pneumonia after contracting Covid-19. Mr. Colley became a memorable screen presence for international audiences who could recognize his dour, stony face even if they didn't know his name. A versatile supporting actor, he was often tapped to play stern detectives, military men and, on multiple occasions, Adolf Hitler, and had been active for nearly two decades onstage and onscreen before his appearance in 'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980). In a 2014 interview, he recalled that when he walked into an office to meet Irvin Kershner, the director of 'The Empire Strikes Back,' Mr. Kershner told him he was looking for 'someone that would frighten Adolf Hitler.' Mr. Colley, with his gaunt face and steely eyes, fit the bill. 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. 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. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Darth Vader's light sabre from Star Wars is yours to buy
The item is described as one of the most prized possessions in Star Wars history and a prime piece of pop culture history An original lightsaber used by iconic movie villain Darth Vader in the Star Wars trilogy is up for auction and is expected to cost over £1million. Darth Vader's main weapon - described by auctioneers as his "primary dueling lightsaber prop" - was used in the 1980 hit The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of the Jedi. It is described as one of the most prized possessions from the iconic sci-fi trilogy and a prime piece of pop culture history and is extremely rare. Having remained in the same private collection for decades, Propstore's auction marks the first time this extraordinary artifact will be available to the public at auction in September. The lightsaber was used during duels in the final acts of both films between Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, and Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill. It was also used by the stunt performer and British Olympic fencer, Bob Anderson. According to the auction house, genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy are rare with this "believed to be the only hero lightsaber prop from the original Star Wars trilogy with verifiable screen use ever to be offered at public auction". The estimate on the prop is $1-3million(£746,000 to £2,241,000) when it is sold at auction house Propstore's "Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles" event. Brandon Alinger, chief operating officer at Propstore, said: "The lightsaber, or laser sword as it was initially called, was imagined by George Lucas as the perfect defensive weapon for a more sophisticated age. "Nearly 50 years after the first Star Wars film, lightsabers are a universally recognised symbol of the world's most beloved film franchise and are consistently ranked as the most iconic and memorable props of all time. "They are the 'ruby slippers' of cinema's modern era. Surviving genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy of films are exceedingly rare, and Propstore is honoured to present this historic artefact in our September sale. "It is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world. This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be - one of the most significant Star Wars artefacts ever. One of the most significant cinema artefacts ever." The lightsaber was made from a vintage British press camera flash handle with components such as plastic grips, calculator bubbles and cosmetic wiring. It was modified with a wooden rod which was used as a blade during the choreographed fight scenes, making the physical on-camera duelling possible and allowing visual effects artists to add a hand-animated glow for the final shots. Ahead of the auction, the prop will go on tour and visit London, Beverly Hills and New York throughout August before the live auction takes place in Los Angeles this September. The tour will feature other film artefacts from Propstore's September Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, including Indiana Jones's bullwhip and belt, Sauron's helmet from the Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring and the shark tooth clapperboard from the 1975 film Jaws.
South Wales Guardian
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Star Wars lightsaber used by Darth Vader to go up for auction
The weapon and duelling prop used in the 1980s films, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi, will go up for auction in September. The live auction, hosted by memorabilia auction house Propstore, coincides with the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, with the prop estimated to sell at £746,000 to £2,241,000. The lightsaber was used during duels in the final acts of both films between Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, and Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill. It was also used by the stunt performer and British Olympic fencer, Bob Anderson. According to the auction house, genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy are rare with this 'believed to be the only hero lightsaber prop from the original Star Wars trilogy with verifiable screen use ever to be offered at public auction'. Brandon Alinger, chief operating officer at Propstore, said: 'The lightsaber, or laser sword as it was initially called, was imagined by George Lucas as the perfect defensive weapon for a more sophisticated age. 'Nearly 50 years after the first Star Wars film, lightsabers are a universally recognised symbol of the world's most beloved film franchise and are consistently ranked as the most iconic and memorable props of all time. 'They are the 'ruby slippers' of cinema's modern era. Surviving genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy of films are exceedingly rare, and Propstore is honoured to present this historic artefact in our September sale. 'It is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world. This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be — one of the most significant Star Wars artefacts ever. One of the most significant cinema artefacts ever.' The lightsaber was made from a vintage British press camera flash handle with components such as plastic grips, calculator bubbles and cosmetic wiring. It was modified with a wooden rod which was used as a blade during the choreographed fight scenes, making the physical on-camera duelling possible and allowing visual effects artists to add a hand-animated glow for the final shots. Ahead of the auction, the prop will go on tour and visit London, Beverly Hills and New York throughout August before the live auction takes place in Los Angeles this September. The tour will feature other film artefacts from Propstore's September Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, including Indiana Jones's bullwhip and belt, Sauron's helmet from the Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring and the shark tooth clapperboard from the 1975 film Jaws.
