Kenneth Colley, Admiral Piett of the Star Wars legend, has passed away

The passing of Kenneth Colley, known for his impressive performance in the Star Wars trilogy, has left his fans in mourning. The actor's manager, Julian Owen, announced that Colley passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, in the city of Ashford in the Kent region of England.

According to information received from Colley's relatives, the famous actor was hospitalized after injuring his arm in a fall, where he subsequently contracted Covid. Pneumonia, which developed following the infection, caused Colley's death. His manager stated, “Ken Colley brought many unforgettable characters to life in theater, film, and television throughout his sixty-year career; he was one of our most valued actors.”

Kenneth Colley stood out not only for his role as Admiral Piett in Star Wars but also for portraying Jesus in the cult Monty Python production Life of Brian and the Duke of Vienna in the BBC's adaptation of Measure for Measure. He also left a mark in the audience's memory with the extraordinary and villainous characters he played in Ken Russell's films.

Colley, who stated that his character was included in the film Return of the Jedi thanks to thousands of letters from Star Wars fans, had noted that he received the role in The Empire Strikes Back after director Irvin Kershner found him impressive. It is reported that Kershner told Colley, “I was looking for someone who would scare Hitler, yes, I think you are the one.”

The actor continued his journey by voicing the character of Admiral Piett in the 2012 animated project Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. Colley, who attended Star Wars conventions all over the world, is remembered as one of the most beloved figures of the original trilogy.

Throughout his career, Colley also appeared in popular series such as The Sweeney, Doctor Who, Holby City, and Peaky Blinders; he directed the 2007 horror film Greetings and contributed short narrations to Phenomenal Cat's 2017 album. The Manchester-born artist is known to have spent the final years of his life in Kent. According to actor-director Terry Gilliam, although Colley had a stutter in real life, he delivered his lines in front of the camera without any issues.

It is also known that the artist had a great passion for theater. The character of Estragon in the play Waiting for Godot, staged at the Cockpit Theatre in 2014, was Colley's favorite role.

For Kenneth Colley, who enjoyed gardening, collecting art, and loved fast cars, fans shared their memories on social media with messages such as, “You have become immortal in the galaxies and in our hearts, may the Force be with you.”

News Source: 12punto