The Imperial Officer We’ll Never Forget
Colley was best known for his iconic role as Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
According to his agent, Julian Owen, Colley died peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia.
A Career Spanning 60 Years
Owen described Colley as “one of our finest character actors” with a career that spanned an impressive 60 years.
Throughout his career, Colley worked on stage, film, and television, playing a vast array of characters, from Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of Brian to evil and eccentric characters in Ken Russell films.
He even played the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure for the BBC.
The Star Wars Connection
In later years, Colley reprised his role as Admiral Piett when he voiced the character in the 2012 animated Lego production, Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.
His participation in Star Wars led to invitations to conventions and fan events all over the world.
A Multi-Talented Actor
Colley had parts in international productions, including Clint Eastwood’s Firefox and the Second World War series War and Remembrance.
Beyond his acting career, Colley was passionate about his garden, art collecting, and fast cars.
A Legacy That Lives On
Colley is survived by his friends, who were by his bedside when he passed away.
He will be remembered for his incredible talent and the joy he brought to audiences around the world through his iconic roles.