Kenneth Colley, the British actor known for portraying Admiral Piett in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died at the age of 87. His agent, Julian Owen, confirmed Colley passed away peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on Monday, following complications from Covid that developed into pneumonia.

Colley had been admitted to hospital with an arm injury after a fall, during which he contracted Covid. His agent noted that the actor died with friends by his side.

Colley’s acting career spanned over 60 years across stage, film, and television. In addition to Star Wars, he was recognised for his roles in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, where he played Jesus, and in various Ken Russell films portraying darker, more eccentric characters.

He also appeared as the Duke of Vienna in Measure for Measure for the BBC and worked in international productions, including Clint Eastwood’s Firefox and the Second World War television series War and Remembrance.

Though best remembered for his role in the Star Wars franchise, Colley also voiced Admiral Piett in the 2012 animated Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out. His association with the galaxy far, far away earned him invitations to conventions and fan events across the world.

According to Owen, “Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors,” with work that extended far beyond his most famous role. Fans took to social media to pay tribute, with one post reading, “You are immortalised in a galaxy far, far away, and in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. May the Force Be With You.”

Man… I’m gutted today. Learned Ken Colley passed way. Admiral Piett is one of my favorite SW characters and favorite officer along with Veers. Really bummed. pic.twitter.com/CuapEkdeF2

— Zoup 🇺🇸 (@NoZoup) July 3, 2025

Another wrote, “Admiral Piett is one of my favourite Star Wars characters… Really bummed to hear of Ken Colley’s passing.”

Outside his acting life, Colley was known to enjoy gardening, collecting art, and had a strong interest in fast cars. His agent described these as a few of the passions that defined his life beyond performance.

Colley’s lasting impact on cinema, particularly through Star Wars, and his broad range of roles in both classical and contemporary productions, leaves behind a memorable legacy in the entertainment world.

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