What Happened to Kenneth Colley? Star Wars Actor Passes Away

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It is sad to report that Kenneth Colley, the well-known British actor recognized for his portrayal of Admiral Piett in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away. News about his demise has been circulating lately. Throughout more than six decades, Colley established himself as a recognizable figure in movies, TV shows, and stage productions, garnering praise for collaborations with directors such as Ken Russell and comedy legends Monty Python.

Here’s what we know so far about Kenneth Colley’s death.

Kenneth Colley passes away at 87, claims report

On June 30, 2025, Kenneth Colley, a renowned British actor recognized for his roles as Admiral Piett in Star Wars and Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, passed away at his home in Kent, England. He was 87 years old.

Julian Owen, Colley’s representative, declared Colley’s passing in a statement that was first reported by the BBC. He attributed the cause of death to complications from COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Back in the gaming world, as I’m sharing some trivia about the virtual realm we both inhabit, let me tell you about Ken Colley – a remarkable character actor whose on-screen journey spanned an impressive six decades. Now, here’s a bittersweet tale: Ken took a tumble and hurt his arm; after seeking medical attention for that, he was unfortunately admitted to the hospital. Tragically, during his recovery, he contracted COVID-19, which progressed into a severe case of pneumonia.

Initially, Colley made his mark in live theatre, particularly in performances that centered around Shakespeare’s works. He graced the small screen in adaptations of Measure for Measure and I Remember Nelson. Later, he developed a regular partnership with director Ken Russell, featuring in six of Russell’s films, commencing with The Music Lovers (1971). His additional roles encompass Clint Eastwood’s Firefox, Aki Kaurismäki’s I Hired a Contract Killer, and Russell’s own The Rainbow.

In 1980, he became Admiral Piett within the Star Wars series during “The Empire Strikes Back.” He continued this role in “Return of the Jedi” (1983). Later, in interviews, Colley admitted that Piett wasn’t initially intended to return. However, George Lucas decided to bring him back after receiving enthusiastic fan letters about the character. Additionally, Colley lent his voice to Admiral Piett in the animated production “Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out” (2012).

The agent mentioned that among his preferred roles, he particularly enjoyed portraying Estragon in Waiting for Godot. He’s also collaborated with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, featuring briefly as Jesus in Life of Brian. Colley continued to act well into his eighties, making appearances in shows like Peaky Blinders and maintaining an active presence at conventions.

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2025-07-04 09:41