Hollywood and the “Star Wars” universe are mourning the loss of beloved actor Michael Pennington, who has died at the age of 82.
The veteran British actor, best known to generations of sci-fi fans for playing the stern Imperial officer Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, reportedly passed away Sunday, according to The Telegraph.
Born on June 7, 1943, in Cambridge, England, Pennington built a long and respected acting career that stretched across television, film, and theater. He first appeared on screen in 1965 in the BBC miniseries “The War of the Roses,” launching a decades-long run in the entertainment industry.
But for millions of fans around the world, Pennington will forever be remembered as the nervous Death Star commander forced to answer to Darth Vader in one of the most unforgettable scenes in “Return of the Jedi.”
In the iconic moment, Vader warns Commander Jerjerrod that Emperor Palpatine is not as forgiving as he is over delays in constructing the second Death Star — a tense exchange that became a lasting memory for longtime “Star Wars” fans.
Pennington’s performance may not have been the flashiest in the galaxy, but his role became an unforgettable part of the legendary franchise’s dark Imperial storyline.
Outside of acting, Pennington married actress Katharine Barker in 1964, and the couple welcomed a son, Mark, before divorcing in 1967.
Fans online quickly began sharing tributes after news of his death spread, with many remembering him as one of the familiar faces who helped make the original “Star Wars” trilogy so iconic.
Michael Pennington was 82.
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