LONDON, Dec 18, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – British actor Jeremy Bulloch who played
infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original “Star Wars” films has died
at the age of 75.
He 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 several
classic television shows in the 1970s and 80s 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 Boba Fett in “The Empire
Strikes Back” and “The Return of the Jedi”.
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 the StarWars.com website.
“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.”
– ‘Quintessential English gentleman’ –
Fellow “Star Wars” actors paid tribute to him on social media.
“Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman,” Mark Hamill, who
played Luke Skywalker, said on Twitter.
“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.”
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
firm favourite with fans and is currently played by New Zealand actor Temuera
Morrison in the popular television series “The Mandalorian”.
Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack
of the Clones”, said it brought him to tears to announce the death of
Bulloch.
“RIP legend I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me!!” he posted on
Instagram with a photograph of the two of them.
While Boba Fett was never seen without his helmet, Bulloch showed his face
in a couple of minor parts in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Revenge of the
Sith”.
In 2018, Bulloch wrote a thank you note 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. I have had over 20 years of travelling with my
wife Maureen to some amazing countries and have met so many wonderful 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.