Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch 'captivated' fans

LONDON • English actor Jeremy Bulloch, who played infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars films, has died at the age of 75.

Bulloch died on Thursday in hospital in Tooting, south London, "following health complications, including several years living with Parkinson's disease", his website said.

"Jeremy had a long and happy life as an actor and was best known for his roles in the films Summer Holiday, Star Wars and James Bond," it added.

Born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, Bulloch appeared in classic television shows of the 1970s and 1980s - including Doctor Who and Robin Of Sherwood - and had supporting roles in three James Bond movies.

But he is best known for playing fan favourite Star Wars character Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and The Return Of The Jedi (1983).

He landed the role after a call from his half-brother Robert Watts, who was an associate producer on The Empire Strikes Back.

"I'd never managed to give Jeremy a job on film," Watts said in 2008, according to StarWars.com. "So I rang him up and said, 'If the suit fits, the part's yours.' He came in and it fit."

His "unforgettable performance as notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett has captivated audiences since he first appeared", the official Star Wars Twitter account said.

"He will be remembered not only for his iconic portrayal of the legendary character, but also for his warmth and generous spirit which have become an enduring part of his rich legacy," it added.

Bulloch's fellow Star Wars actors paid him tribute on social media.

"Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman," Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, said on Twitter. "A fine actor, delightful company and so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him. I will deeply miss him and am so grateful to have known him."

Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian, tweeted: "Today, we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy... RIP Jeremy Bulloch."

Although Boba Fett was a relatively minor character in the films, he was a favourite with fans and is currently played by New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison in the popular television series The Mandalorian (2019 to present).

In 2018, Bulloch wrote a note of thanks to fans and said he had decided to stop attending conventions and "hang up the Fett helmet".

"In 1979, I was called onto the set of Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett and, since that day, it has changed the entire direction of my life in such a wonderful way," he wrote on his website.

"It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to inspire so many generations of Star Wars fans. Thank you all so much and we will miss you all. May the Force be with you always."

Bulloch is survived by his wife Maureen, three sons and 10 grandchildren.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE