(NEXSTAR) – Kenneth Colley, the English actor celebrated for his role as Admiral Piett in the “Star Wars” series, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by various sources.
Colley died at home in Ashford, Kent after battling COVID-19 and pneumonia, his representative, Julian Owen, told the BBC in a statement.
He was initially admitted to the hospital after hurting his arm in a fall, and then quickly caught the virus, according to the statement.
Owens praised Colley’s six-decade body of work, calling him “one of our finest character actors.”
“Ken continually worked on stage, film, and television showcasing a wide range of characters, from Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian to sinister and eccentric roles in Ken Russell films, as well as the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure for the BBC,” Owens remarked in the statement.
Among Colley’s extensive acting credits were roles in Clint Eastwood’s “Firefox,” “War and Remembrance,” and “The Rainbow.”
Decades after appearing in the iconic Lucas films “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” Colley lent his voice to “Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out,” reprising his role as Admiral Piett.
Colley, who was also known for his love of gardening, art collection and fast cars, died with friends at his bedside, according to the BBC.
