'Star Wars' actor and theater star Michael Pennington dies at 82
British movie and theater actor Michael Pennington, who became known for his Moff Jerjerrod role in Star Wars, has died. He was 82.
The actor's representatives confirmed his death to BBC on Monday, May 11.
The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Actress Miriam Margolyes, in a tribute to Pennington, called him a "very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear."
"I am sad beyond measure. Bless your dear memory, old chum," she said.
Pennington is best known for portraying Moff Jerjerrod in 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, commander of the second Death Star.
He had more than 70 screen roles across film and theater, particularly in the late 70s. He began with a supporting role in the BBC mini-series The War of the Roses in 1965 before his film debut as Laertes in 1969's Hamlet, working alongside Oscar-winning director Tony Richardson and a young Anthony Hopkins.
Pennington co-founded the English Shakespeare Company and was an honorary associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His last role was the voice of The Trust in Season 2 of HBO Max's sci-fi TV series Raised by Wolves.
