Every Notable ‘Star Wars: Original Trilogy’ Actor Who Died

The original trilogy of ‘Star Wars’ changed movies forever and introduced a huge cast of unforgettable characters. Over the years, many of the actors who helped bring that galaxy to life have passed away. Below is a guide to those performers, the roles they played, and a few key facts about their careers and contributions to the saga. It’s a snapshot of the people behind the masks, robes, and flight helmets who made these stories feel real.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi, the wise Jedi Master who guides Luke Skywalker in ‘A New Hope’. A celebrated stage and screen actor, he brought gravitas that helped ground the film’s fantasy with believable emotion. Guinness earned widespread acclaim for his performance and became closely associated with the role despite a long career before it. He died on August 5, 2000, leaving behind a legacy that spans classics far beyond the saga.

Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing played Grand Moff Tarkin, the commanding Imperial officer who oversees the Death Star in ‘A New Hope’. Known for his work in British cinema, he delivered a cold, authoritative presence opposite Darth Vader. His scenes established the Empire’s ruthless chain of command and set the tone for the franchise’s villains. He died on August 11, 1994, after decades as one of genre film’s most recognizable faces.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher brought Princess Leia Organa to life across all three original films. An actor and writer, she combined sharp wit with steady leadership on screen, shaping one of the saga’s most enduring heroes. Fisher also worked as a noted script doctor in Hollywood and authored several books. She died on December 27, 2016, and her final on-screen appearance was completed with previously shot footage in later entries.

David Prowse

David Prowse wore the suit as Darth Vader in all three original films. A former bodybuilder and champion athlete, he provided the imposing physicality that defined the character’s silhouette and movement. His performance worked in tandem with the voice acting to create one of cinema’s most iconic villains. Prowse died on November 28, 2020, after years of appearing at conventions and engaging with fans.

Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca, Han Solo’s loyal co-pilot, using height and body language to express warmth without dialogue. His physical performance helped audiences read emotion through posture, gestures, and timing. Mayhew remained closely tied to the character and worked with his successor to maintain continuity. He died on April 30, 2019, after decades of connection with the fan community.

Kenny Baker

Kenny Baker performed R2-D2 from inside the droid’s frame in all three films. His work gave the astromech its personality through movement, timing, and subtle physical beats that paired with sound design. Beyond the saga, he appeared in several fantasy and adventure productions. Baker died on August 13, 2016, and is widely credited with helping make R2-D2 feel like a living character.

Jeremy Bulloch

Jeremy Bulloch originated Boba Fett on screen in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and returned in ‘Return of the Jedi’. He crafted the bounty hunter’s cool, economical movements that defined the character’s mystique. Bulloch also made smaller appearances elsewhere in the saga’s productions. He died on December 17, 2020, after many years of meeting fans around the world.

Sebastian Shaw

Sebastian Shaw portrayed the unmasked Anakin Skywalker and appeared as the redeemed figure at the end of ‘Return of the Jedi’. A veteran of the stage, he brought quiet vulnerability to the climactic scenes. Shaw’s brief time on screen became a key moment in the trilogy’s emotional resolution. He died on December 23, 1994, following a long career in theater and film.

Richard LeParmentier

Richard LeParmentier played Admiral Motti, the Imperial officer who challenges Vader aboard the Death Star in ‘A New Hope’. His confrontation scene helped establish the power dynamics among the Empire’s leadership. LeParmentier continued acting and later worked as a writer. He died on April 15, 2013, remembered for one of the trilogy’s most quoted exchanges.

Phil Brown

Phil Brown portrayed Owen Lars, Luke’s uncle and guardian, in ‘A New Hope’. His grounded performance anchored Luke’s early life on Tatooine and emphasized the pull between duty and destiny. Brown worked widely in film and television on both sides of the Atlantic. He died on February 9, 2006, after a long career that extended well beyond the saga.

Shelagh Fraser

Shelagh Fraser played Beru Whitesun Lars, offering a warm counterpoint to Owen in ‘A New Hope’. Her scenes helped sketch Luke’s family life and the modest roots of a galactic hero. Fraser’s acting career included significant stage and television work. She died on August 29, 2000, leaving a gentle imprint on the series’ early chapters.

Jack Purvis

Jack Purvis appeared in multiple roles, including the Chief Jawa in ‘A New Hope’ and the Ewok Teebo in ‘Return of the Jedi’. A versatile performer, he brought energy to characters often hidden by costumes and masks. Purvis also worked on other major fantasy productions of the era. He died on November 21, 1997, and is remembered for contributions that added texture to the films’ worlds.

Michael Sheard

Michael Sheard played Admiral Ozzel in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. His scenes with Vader showed the high stakes of command failure within the Imperial Navy. Sheard had a prolific television and film career, especially in British productions. He died on August 31, 2005, with numerous credits across genres.

William Hootkins

William Hootkins portrayed Rebel pilot Jek Tono Porkins in ‘A New Hope’. He later appeared in several well-known blockbusters and maintained a busy career in voice and stage work. Hootkins brought memorable personality to a small but fan-favorite role. He died on October 23, 2005, and remains a familiar name to longtime fans.

Drewe Henley

Drewe Henley played Red Leader Garven Dreis in ‘A New Hope’. His leadership in the trench run sequence helped communicate the tactics and hierarchy of the Rebel attack. Henley’s film and television career extended through the 1970s and beyond. He died on February 14, 2016, with his briefing-room scenes still frequently referenced.

Christopher Malcolm

Christopher Malcolm portrayed Rogue Squadron pilot Zev Senesca, the rescuer who locates Han and Luke on Hoth in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. He worked extensively in theater and on screen throughout his life. Malcolm’s clear, steady delivery in the cockpit scenes helped sell the realism of the Rebel fighter corps. He died on February 15, 2014, after decades in the performing arts.

John Hollis

John Hollis played Lobot, Lando Calrissian’s aide in Cloud City in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. His silent, composed presence added intrigue to the city’s security operations. Hollis appeared in a range of genre films during his career. He died on October 18, 2005, and is often recognized for his distinctive look in the role.

Bruce Boa

Bruce Boa portrayed General Rieekan, a senior Rebel commander on Hoth in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. His scenes helped establish the Alliance’s military structure during the evacuation. Boa’s career included roles across film and television, often in authoritative parts. He died on April 17, 2004, remembered for steady supporting work.

Don Henderson

Don Henderson played General Tagge, a senior Imperial staff officer in ‘A New Hope’. His character’s cautious perspective contrasted with the overconfidence of other Imperial figures. Henderson built a substantial career in British television and film. He died on June 22, 1997, with his performance still cited in discussions of the Death Star briefing room.

Alex McCrindle

Alex McCrindle portrayed General Jan Dodonna, the Rebel strategist who outlines the Death Star attack in ‘A New Hope’. His calm authority in the briefing scene became a defining moment for the Rebel leadership. McCrindle worked in radio, television, and film over many decades. He died on April 20, 1990, following a long career.

Eddie Byrne

Eddie Byrne played General Willard, a senior Rebel figure in ‘A New Hope’. His interactions on Yavin helped frame the Alliance’s early organization and command. Byrne had an extensive filmography in Irish and British productions. He died on August 21, 1981, shortly after the trilogy began its run.

Alfie Curtis

Alfie Curtis portrayed Dr. Cornelius Evazan, the cantina patron who threatens Luke in ‘A New Hope’. His brief appearance helped set the tone of Mos Eisley as a rough, unpredictable spaceport. Curtis worked in British film and television across several decades. He died on December 26, 2017, and his character remains a memorable part of the cantina lore.

Erik Bauersfeld

Erik Bauersfeld provided the voice of Admiral Ackbar and also voiced another character in ‘Return of the Jedi’. A veteran radio dramatist, he delivered a vocal performance that quickly became part of pop culture. Bauersfeld’s work demonstrated how voice acting shapes character identity in effects-driven films. He died on April 3, 2016, after a long career in audio storytelling.

Richard Bonehill

Richard Bonehill performed as multiple masked characters, including roles among Rebel and Imperial ranks in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’. A skilled swordsman and stunt performer, he contributed to both background action and featured moments. Bonehill’s versatility made him a frequent presence in complex crowd and battle scenes. He died on February 4, 2015, with numerous uncredited contributions to the trilogy.

Gerald Home

Gerald Home played Tessek and a Mon Calamari officer in ‘Return of the Jedi’. Working under heavy prosthetics, he helped populate Jabba’s court and the Rebel fleet with distinctive alien figures. Home engaged actively with fans and documented behind-the-scenes details from productions. He died on October 6, 2021, remembered fondly within the community.

Ian Liston

Ian Liston portrayed Rebel gunner Wes Janson in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. His character’s rapport with Wedge Antilles added texture to the film’s Hoth battle sequences. Liston continued to work in theater and television and later appeared at fan events. He died on October 1, 2016, leaving a mark as part of Rogue Squadron’s lineup.

Alan Harris

Alan Harris was a suit performer who played multiple background roles, including the bounty hunter Bossk’s costume in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. He also appeared as guards and troopers across the trilogy, often in armor or masks. Harris contributed to the visual continuity of the series’ background characters. He died on January 25, 2020, recognized by fans for his many on-set roles.

Declan Mulholland

Declan Mulholland appeared in early footage as a human stand-in for Jabba the Hutt during ‘A New Hope’ production. His work served as a placeholder for the later depiction of the character, informing staging and dialogue. Mulholland’s broader career included numerous film and television roles in the United Kingdom. He died on June 29, 1999, with his unusual connection to the saga preserved in production history.

Felix Silla

Felix Silla performed as an Ewok in ‘Return of the Jedi’. A seasoned stuntman and actor, he brought lively movement to creature performances in several major franchises. His work often involved complex suits that required careful choreography and endurance. He died on April 16, 2021, remembered for contributions across fantasy and science fiction.

Share your memories of these performers and which original trilogy moments they made unforgettable in the comments.