Star Wars’ Original Boba Fett Actor Has Died
The death of the original actor who played Boba Fett comes not long after we lost David Prowse.
This article is more than 2 years old
Sad news from the Star Wars universe as we’ve just learned that British actor Jeremy Bulloch, the man who played the original Boba Fett, has died. Bulloch passed away in London due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, according to his representatives and family. Jeremy Bulloch was 75-years-old.
“We are very sad to announce the death of actor Jeremy Bulloch, earlier today,” his agents at Brown, Simcocks & Andrews said on Thursday. “He died peacefully, in hospital, surrounded by his family, from health complications following his many years living with Parkinson’s disease. Jeremy was best known for the role of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. He had a long and happy career spanning more than 45 years. He was devoted to his wife, three sons, and ten grandchildren and they will miss him terribly.”
In a statement from Bulloch’s family, they confirmed his death after his years-long battle with Parkinson’s. His wife, Maureen, and two of his sons, Robbie and Jamie, were able to spend the final days with their father.
Jeremy Bulloch’s career as Boba Fett covered two movies, 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back and 1983’s Return of the Jedi. What you may not know is that Boba Fett is not the only character Bulloch portrayed in the Star Wars canon. He showed up in a couple of cameos where he wasn’t required to wear Boba’s helmet. He first played Lieutenant Sheckil in The Empire Strikes Back and then he played Jeremoch Colton in the prequel Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Before becoming Boba Fett, Jeremy Bulloch began his career back in the late ‘50s with a couple of uncredited roles, then received his first credit on the film A French Mistress. He went on to star in various movies which included the James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only, and reprising his role from For Your Eyes Only as Smithers in Octopussy.
Bulloch also spent a lot of time on the small screen in series such as Only When I Laugh, Robin of Sherwood, and Starhyke. The man inside Boba Fett’s armor enjoyed a long and productive career, and his loss was felt across the Star Wars universe.
Jeremy Bulloch’s death comes not long after we lost David Prowse, the actor who was originally inside Darth Vader’s armor. Prowse was 85 when he was taken earlier this month by COVID-19.
The official Star Wars Twitter account paid a nice tribute to Bulloch. “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.”
Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, also took to Twitter writing of his Boba Fett suited co-star, “Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman. A fine actor, delightful company & so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him. I will deeply miss him & am so grateful to have known him. #RIP_DearJeremy.”
Lando Calrissian, Billy Dee Williams, tweeted, “Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. RIP Jeremy Bulloch #BobaFett.”
Young Boba Fett, Daniel Logan, from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, also paid tribute to Bulloch on his Instagram, writing: “RIP legend I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me! I’ll love you forever! Conventions won’t be the same without you – may the force be with you always.”
RIP Mr. Bulloch.
