Hollywood is mourning the loss of beloved actor Michael Pennington, who died at 82. His representatives have confirmed the passing, with tributes now pouring in.
The British star was best known to movie fans for playing Imperial officer Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, the commander overseeing construction of the second Death Star.
Born in Cambridge, England, on June 7, 1943, Pennington became one of Britain’s most respected Shakespearean actors. In 1986, he co-founded the English Shakespeare Company with director Michael Bogdanov and devoted decades to theater and literature.
News of his passing was confirmed on Sunday, with tributes quickly pouring in from fans and fellow actors around the world. Actress Miriam Margolyes paid tribute to Pennington, describing him as a “very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear.”
Per the BBC, she said he was “an old friend, from Cambridge [University] days”, adding: “I am sad beyond measure. Bless your dear memory, old chum.”
While many recognized him from the iconic Star Wars franchise, Pennington had a long and celebrated career on stage and screen. He appeared in films including Hamlet and The Iron Lady, where he portrayed British politician Michael Foot.
The English actor was also known for his collaborations with Dame Judi Dench and her husband, Michael Williams, who starred together in several stage productions, including King Lear.
‘Star Wars’ actor Michael Pennington dies at 82
Some years ago, Michael Pennington stated that watching Dench play Ophelia in a 1957 Hamlet production inspired him to go into the theatre.
“There’s no one quite like Judi. For her acting is playing: she’s a lass unparalleled,” the actor said.
Despite his worldwide fame from Star Wars, Pennington once admitted he was surprised by how much attention the role brought him over the years. In an earlier interview, he reflected on fans constantly asking him about the sci-fi classic whenever he left the stage door after performances.
His last credited role was in 2022, voicing The Trust in five episodes of sci-fi series Raised by Wolves. He is survived by his son, Mark.
Rest in peace, Michael Pennington.