Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley has died at the age of 87 after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia.
The English actor, best known for playing Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, died peacefully on Monday, June 30, in Ashford, Kent.
He also famously portrayed Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
His agent of 10 years, Julian Owen, confirmed that Colley had been admitted to hospital 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,” Owen said in a statement.
“Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years.”
Owen praised Colley’s versatility across stage, film, and television.
Ken continually worked on stage, film and television playing a vast array of characters,” he said.
“From Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian to evil and eccentric characters in Ken Russell films.”
He also highlighted Colley’s portrayal of the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure for the BBC.
The agent revealed Colley’s favorite role was playing Estragon in Beckett’s Waiting for Godot at London’s Cockpit Theatre in 2014.
Colley made his Star Wars debut in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980.
He was the only actor to play a named Imperial officer in more than one film in the original trilogy.
His character Admiral Piett served as first officer on Darth Vader’s flagship.
Piett was promoted when Vader Force-choked Admiral Ozzel for his failures.
The character met his end in Return of the Jedi when a rebel fighter crashed into the bridge.
Colley chose to play Piett’s final moment as resigned, closing his eyes and accepting his fate.
His participation in Star Wars led to invitations to conventions and fan events worldwide.
“He remains one of the best loved actors from the original trilogy,” Owen noted.
Decades later, Colley reprised the role in 2012’s Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.
In Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Colley played Jesus alongside John Cleese and Graham Chapman.
Director Terry Gilliam revealed in DVD commentary that Colley had a stammer in real life.
Despite this, he was able to recite lines perfectly when performing.
Colley’s extensive career included roles in Clint Eastwood’s Firefox and the series War and Remembrance.
He worked frequently with director Ken Russell, appearing in several of his films.
The actor also ventured behind the camera, directing the 2007 horror film Greetings.
Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved character actor.
One fan wrote: “Gutted to hear Kenneth Colley has passed.”
“His role as Admiral Piett in Star Wars meant a lot. I’d hoped to meet him one day.”
Another added: “Never before have I seen an actor convey the looks of fear, awkwardness, and discomfort than Kenneth did when he had scenes with Vader.”
A third fan wrote: “I’ll have to rewatch Second Time Around now. It’s my favorite performance of his.”
“The ending is just heartbreaking stuff. He’s perfect in it.”
Colley appeared in numerous British television productions throughout his six-decade career.
His credits included I Hired a Contract Killer, The Last Island, and A Summer Story.
He also appeared in I Remember Nelson, Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story, and The Music Lovers.
Born in Manchester in 1937, Colley began his acting career in British television.
He became known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters.
From religious figures to military officers, Colley brought depth to every role.
His work spanned genres from comedy to drama to science fiction.
Colleagues praised his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Many noted his ability to create memorable characters in limited screen time.
His portrayal of Admiral Piett became iconic among Star Wars fans.
The character’s nervous demeanor under Vader’s command resonated with audiences.
Colley’s death marks the loss of another member of the original Star Wars cast.
He joins Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, and Carrie Fisher among those who have passed.
The actor remained active in his career well into his later years.
He continued attending fan conventions and meeting admirers of his work.
Colley’s legacy includes over 60 years of performances across multiple mediums.
His contributions to British theatre, television, and film will be remembered.
The actor’s death from Covid complications highlights the ongoing risks of the virus.
Even in 2025, the disease continues to pose dangers, particularly to elderly individuals.
Kenneth Colley is survived by friends and colleagues who mourn his passing.
His performances in Star Wars and Monty Python ensure his work will live on.
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