Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley dies at 87 after battling COVID and pneumonia

Kenneth Colley, known for his role as Admiral Piett in Star Wars, dies at 87.

Kenneth Colley, best known for his portrayal of Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has passed away at the age of 87. His agent, Julian Owen, confirmed that Colley died peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on Monday. Colley’s death followed a brief hospital stay after he injured his arm in a fall. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID-19 during his recovery, which developed into pneumonia.

Owen described Colley as "one of our finest character actors," with a career that spanned over six decades. "Ken continually worked on stage, film, and television," Owen said, highlighting Colley’s extensive range, from his role as Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian to his appearances in several Ken Russell films. He also portrayed the Duke of Vienna in a 1979 BBC adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.

Colley’s role in Star Wars solidified his place in pop culture, and he was a beloved figure among fans. His portrayal of the Imperial officer in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi led to numerous invitations to fan events and conventions around the world. Colley reprised his role in the 2012 animated TV film Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.

Born on December 7, 1937, in Manchester, Lancashire, Colley began his career in British television, appearing in shows like The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes and The Sweeney. In addition to his Star Wars roles, Colley appeared in films such as Firefox, War and Remembrance, and The Rainbow. He also directed the 2007 horror film Greetings.

Kenneth Colley leaves behind a lasting legacy in both the Star Wars franchise and the broader film and television industry.