Ashford, Kent, July 4, 2025 – Kenneth Colley, beloved for his role as Admiral Firmus Piett in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), passed away peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on June 30, 2025, at age 87, his agent Julian Owen confirmed to BBC. Colley succumbed to pneumonia following a COVID-19 infection contracted after a hospital stay for a fall-related arm injury. Here’s the story, plus five steps to honor his legacy, optimized for the keyword Star Wars Actor Kenneth Colley Dead At 87.

Colley’s portrayal of Piett, the cautious yet competent Imperial officer commanding Darth Vader’s flagship, made him a fan favorite, uniquely appearing in two original trilogy films, per Collider. His 60-year career spanned iconic roles, including Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) and the Duke of Vienna in Measure for Measure (BBC, 1979), as well as work with Ken Russell in films like The Devils (1971). “Ken was one of our finest character actors,” Owen said, noting his love for conventions, gardening, art, and fast cars. Michael Palin, his Life of Brian co-star, told The Independent, “Ken was dependable, convincing, and great to work with.” Fans on X, like @nypost, mourned his loss, with tributes highlighting his enduring Star Wars impact.

5 Steps to Honor a Legacy Like Colley’s

1. Celebrate Their Work – Rewatch The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on Disney+ to appreciate Colley’s nuanced Piett, who survived Vader’s wrath, a rare feat, per The Atlantic.
2. Engage with Fan Communities – Colley loved Star Wars conventions, per BBC. Join forums like Reddit’s r/StarWars or attend events like Star Wars Celebration to share memories.
3. Support Their Passions – Colley cherished gardening and art, per Daily Mail. Donate to local arts programs or plant a tree in his memory to reflect his interests.
4. Learn from Their Career – Colley’s versatility, from Life of Brian to Waiting for Godot (2014), shows adaptability, per Deadline. Take a course or explore new skills to emulate his range.
5. Share Tributes Mindfully – Fans on X, like @MetroUK, posted heartfelt messages. Share respectful tributes online, avoiding misinformation about his death, as some posts speculated hospital-acquired COVID, per @elisaperego78.

What’s Next

Colley’s death marks another loss for Star Wars fans, following Michael Culver’s passing in 2024, per EW. His work lives on in Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012) and recent roles like Dan Hawk Psychic Detective (2024), per People. Stream his films, visit starwars.com for updates, or follow X tributes like @DailyMail to join the conversation.