Kenneth Colley, best known for portraying Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has passed away at 87 after battling Covid-related pneumonia. The British actor died peacefully at his Kent home on Monday.
From Star Wars to Monty Python
Colley's Imperial officer Piett commanded Darth Vader's flagship in the original Star Wars trilogy, later reprising the role in 2012's Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. The versatile actor also delivered a memorable performance as Jesus in Monty Python's controversial comedy Life of Brian.
Agent Julian Owen paid tribute: "Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a remarkable 60-year career. Whether playing Jesus, Shakespearean roles, or Ken Russell's complex characters, he brought depth to every performance."
An Unexpected Star Wars Legacy
According to reports, Colley's Piett character wasn't originally planned for Return of the Jedi, but was added due to overwhelming fan response. The actor once revealed he won the role because director Irvin Kershner sought "someone who could frighten Hitler."
Colley had recently been hospitalized following a fall, but his condition worsened after contracting Covid-19. His passing marks the loss of one of British cinema's most distinctive supporting actors.
