An actor of the iconic Star Wars franchise has sadly died.

Star Wars is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas.

It’s expanded into various films and other media, including television series and video games.

Now, fans are paying tribute following the loss of one of its stars.

One person says: “You are immortalized in a galaxy far, far away, and in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. May the Force Be With You.”

Another adds: “RIP, he will be missed.”

A third writes: “Thank you, sir, for your great performance in Star Wars.”

Kenneth Colley, the British actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Admiral Piett in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away at the age of 87.

Colley gained international fame as Admiral Piett, a character who commanded Darth Vader’s ship, the Executor, in both Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

His role became iconic among fans, and decades later, he voiced the same character in the animated 2012 film Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.

His connection to the franchise continued throughout his life, as he was frequently invited to fan conventions and Star Wars events around the world.

Beyond his contributions to the Star Wars universe, Colley had a diverse and extensive career spanning over 60 years.

He made his screen debut in 1961 and took on roles in several major British productions, including Coronation Street, the 1978 adaptation of Les Misérables, and the 1982 film Firefox.

He also appeared in popular shows such as EastEnders, Misfits, and Peaky Blinders. His final film credit was in the 2024 movie Dan Hawk Psychic Detective.

His agent, Julian Owen described him as ‘one of our finest character actors,’ in a statement, adding that he had a wide range of interests outside of acting, including gardening, collecting art, and a love for fast cars.

According to Owen, one of Colley’s most cherished roles was Estragon in the 2014 London stage production of Waiting for Godot, reflecting his deep passion for the theater.

Owen confirmed that Colley died peacefully on June 30 at a hospital in Ashford, Kent, after developing pneumonia, which followed a COVID-19 infection contracted during a hospital stay for an arm injury.

“It is with great sadness to report that my client Kenneth Colley passed away Monday, 30th June, at around 5:30 p.m. in a hospital in Ashford, Kent. He was 87,” Owen shared.

“He had been admitted after a fall with an injured arm; however, he quickly contracted COVID, which developed into pneumonia.”

Pneumonia, a lung infection, is responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States, according to the CDC.

Colley leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted fanbase. His contributions to cinema and theater will be remembered fondly by both colleagues and audiences alike.