Kenneth Colley, the British actor best known for his role as Admiral Piett in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away, with news of his death emerging recently. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Colley became a familiar face in film, television, and stage, earning acclaim for his work with directors like Ken Russell and comedy icons Monty Python.
Here’s what we know so far about Kenneth Colley’s death.
Kenneth Colley cause of death explained
Kenneth Colley, the British actor best known for playing Admiral Piett in Star Wars and Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, died on June 30, 2025, at his home in Kent, England. He was 87.
His agent, Julian Owen, confirmed Colley’s death in a statement initially reported by the BBC, citing complications from COVID-19 and pneumonia.
“Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years,” Owen said. Colley was first admitted to the hospital after injuring his arm in a fall. While receiving treatment, he contracted COVID-19, which developed into pneumonia.
Colley began his career on stage, focusing on Shakespearean theatre. He appeared in televised productions of Measure for Measure and I Remember Nelson. He later became a frequent collaborator of director Ken Russell. Colley acted in six of Russell’s films, starting with The Music Lovers (1971). His other credits include Clint Eastwood’s Firefox, Aki Kaurismäki’s I Hired a Contract Killer, and Russell’s The Rainbow.
He joined the Star Wars franchise as Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). He reprised the role in Return of the Jedi (1983). In later interviews, Colley said Piett was not originally set to return. George Lucas brought him back after receiving fan mail about the character. Colley also voiced Piett in the animated special Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012.)
His agent added that his favorite role was playing Estragon in Waiting for Godot. He also worked with Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, including a brief appearance as Jesus in Life of Brian. Colley continued to act into his 80s, appearing in productions such as Peaky Blinders and remaining active on the convention circuit.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
