Original Star Wars trilogy actor Richard Bonehill has died aged 67. Details of his death are currently unavailable.
The Star Wars character actor is perhaps best known for donning masks and makeup to portray Nien Nunb – Lando Calrissian’s co-pilot during the Rebel attack on the second Death Star.
But while he starred in Return of the Jedi, he also played a variety of other small roles throughout the original trilogy.
News of Richard’s death was reported by the Truro Fencing Club via Twitter, where the actor served as head coach until 2007 and was president of the club until his death.
“We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our President & former Head Coach Richard Bonehill,” they said. “A great leader and an inspiration.”
Although Richard was most famous for his costumed work as Nien Nunb, he also played a number of background characters in the Star Wars franchise, including a Stormtrooper, Rebel Soldier, TIE Pilot and even a Tauntaun wrangler.
And he had plenty of roles outside of Star Wars too.
He worked in the film and television industry for many years, as both an actor, fencing coach and swordmaster – working on projects such as The Avengers, Rob Roy, The Count of Monte Cristo and even Jason and the Argonauts.
He also appeared in British sci-fi show Doctor Who for a number of years.
Although Richard Bonehill is best known for his costumed roles, his characters will never be forgotten. And having helped destroy the second Death Star, he will always be a hero of the Rebel Alliance to Star Wars fans.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Which of Richard’s roles will you remember him for? Are there any film or TV roles we missed out? Let us know in the comments below…
