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‘Star Wars' actor Kenneth Colley dies at 87
Kenneth Colley, a British actor known for playing Admiral Piett in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, has died at age 87.
Colley died at his home in England on Monday, according to a statement shared by his agent, Julian Owens.
Before his death, Colley been admitted to a hospital for an arm injury he suffered in a fall, but he quickly contracted COVID-19 that eventually developed into pneumonia.
Throughout his 64-year career, Colley worked continuously in film, television and on the stage, playing a wide variety of characters from Jesus in 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' to the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure' for the BBC.
In 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi' he played Admiral Piett, an imperial officer in command of Darth Vader's flagship Executor. He reprised the role in 2012's animated 'Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.'
His role in the popular franchise earned him a legion of sci-fi fans across generations.
Colley also appeared in films such as Clint Eastwood's 'Firefox' and British TV shows like 'Coronation Street,' 'EastEnders' and 'Return to Treasure Island.' More recently, he appeared in two episodes of 'Peaky Blinders.'
Owens remembered Colley as always remaining humble despite being one of the 'finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years.'
'Ken loved attending conventions and meeting the fans,' Owens said. 'He traveled all over the world yet could never quite grasp why everyone wanted his autograph.'
Colley was proceeded in death by his wife, Mary, to whom he'd been married for more than 60 years.
