The actor best known for playing a survivor of Darth Vader's ploys in The Empire Strikes Back has passed away. Kenneth Colley, who played the character of Admiral Piett in the original trilogy for Star Wars died on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The British actor passed away due to complications from covid and pneumonia. He starred in such films as Firefox (1982) opposite Clint Eastwood and the Plot to Kill Hitler (1989). He was also featured in episodes of the Netflix series Peaky Blinders.
He is best known by most as the character of Piett in both The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi.
Throughout The Empire Strikes Back, Colley's character continues to move up the ranks as other Imperial officers are killed in front of his eyes by Darth Vader. Colley offers a stoic approach, and at times, is understandably fearful of the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Despite being an Imperial, the character was fondly thought of by the Star Wars fandom. So much between the making of The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi that George Lucas chose to have him return in the final film of the original trilogy.
In the movie, he has a memorable death scene when his Star Destroyer is damaged by a rebel fighter and crashes into the Death Star.
Colley spent years being a part of the Star Wars franchise, going to autograph signings and various conventions. Speaking on the Star Wars YouTube channel, the actor said he understands why the fan base reacted positively to Piett.
"Despite being a villain, he's just a man doing his job, and all the people out there doing their jobs understand that," said the late actor.
He was in film and television for over 60 years and seemed to continue to be a man doing his job, but also continued to be in tune with the Star Wars fan base.
"Ken's participation in Star Wars led him to being invited to conventions and official fan events all over the world, where he remains one of the best-loved actors from the original trilogy," Colley's agent, Julien Owen, said in the statement. "Ken loved his garden, art collecting and had a passion for fast cars."
The Empire Strikes Back is 45 years old and has been a favorite of the franchise since it broke into theaters. Colley will continue to be immortalized as Admiral Piett for many years to come.
More from Dork Side of the Force: