'Star Wars' actor Kenneth Colley no more

ANI July 4, 2025 280 views

Kenneth Colley, a respected actor best known for his role as Admiral Piett in the Star Wars franchise, has passed away at 87. His career spanned multiple films including Lego Star Wars and Clint Eastwood's Firefox. Colley was admitted to hospital after a fall and subsequently contracted Covid, which tragically developed into pneumonia. Beyond his screen work, he was particularly fond of his stage performance in Waiting for Godot, highlighting his versatility as a performer.

"Ken's favourite part was playing Estragon in Waiting for Godot" - Colley's Agent
Los Angeles, July 3: Actor Kenneth Colley, best known for his portrayal in the original Star Wars series, has passed away.

Key Points

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Star Wars veteran actor died at 87 in England

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Contracted Covid which developed into pneumonia

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Memorable for Admiral Piett role in original Star Wars series

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Performed in multiple notable film and stage productions

Colley died on June 30 at his home in England, after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia. He was 87, Deadline reported.

Colley reprised the role of Admiral Piett in the 2012 animated film Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. His other projects include Clint Eastwood's Firefox, Aki Kaurismaki's I Hired a Contract Killer, and Ken Russell's The Rainbow.

The BBC reported that Colley had originally been admitted to hospital with an injured arm after a fall, but quickly contracted Covid, which developed into pneumonia, as per Deadline.

The statement from Colley's agent added: "Ken's favourite part was playing Estragon in the stage production of Beckett's classic Waiting for Godot at the Cockpit Theatre in London in 2014."

Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's heartbreaking how COVID continues to claim lives even now. My uncle passed similarly last year - went to hospital for a minor issue and contracted COVID there. Hospitals need better infection control!
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Aditya G
Didn't realize he was in so many international projects beyond Star Wars! Firefox was one of my dad's favorite Cold War era films. Respect for such a versatile career spanning decades.
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Sarah B
Interesting that his favorite role was in Waiting for Godot - such a different genre from Star Wars! Shows the range of a true artist. The theatre world has lost a gem.
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Nikhil C
At 87, he lived a full life but it's still sad. My Star Wars action figure collection had Admiral Piett - time to dig it out from my parents' attic in Mumbai for old times' sake!
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Kavya N
The article could have mentioned more about his Indian connections if any. Many British actors of his generation worked in Bollywood or had Indian collaborations. Just a thought for better local relevance.

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Tags:
Kenneth Colley Star Wars Actor Obituary Hollywood Film Industry