Star Wars icon Michael Culver dies aged 85 after tragic health battles

13 March 2024 , 12:06

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It's been announced that Star Wars actor Michael Culver has died

Star Wars actor Michael Culver has died, aged 85.

In a statement, his agent said: "We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.

"Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000's to concentrate his efforts into his political activism. It's been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him."

"We worked with Michael just 3 weeks ago at his last home signing with our friends at Elite Signatures. Michael died on Tuesday 27th February at the age of 85. We miss him," the statement issued to the Irish Sun concluded. The outlet reports that Michael's agents said he died after a long illness.

It's been announced that actor Michael Culver passed away last month (Getty Images)

He appeared in shows like Secret Army over the course of his career (Getty Images)

Tributes have now been paid on social media. Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson wrote: "We're sad to learn of the passing on February 27th of actor Michael Culver, who played, among many other roles, Eagle pilot Pete Irving in the Space:1999 episode Guardian of Piri. Our thoughts go out to all who knew him."

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Someone else tweeted: "Devastated. RIP Michael Culver. Unforgettable talent." Whilst another fan wrote: "Sad to read the news of the death of Michael Culver. A very fine actor indeed." One person said: "RIP to the magnificent Michael Culver."

"RIP Michael Culver [...] Only met him the once, but he was a lovely chap," another tribute read. Someone else said on the platform following the news: "RIP Michael Culver. Such a brilliant performance alongside Clifford Rose in Secret Army."

He's also remembered for his role as Captain Needa in the Star Wars film the Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Michael played Captain Needa in the Empire Strikes Back (1980). The character commanded the Avenger, one of the Imperial Star Destroyers, which pursued the fleeing Millennium Falcon in the film. After the starship escape, he apologised to Darth Vader, who subsequently killed the captain.

His other film credits include having played Major McBryde in A Passage to India (1984). He's said to have had two uncredited roles in James Bond films, reportedly appearing in both From Russia With Love (1963) and Thunderball (1965).

The actor is also known for his TV work, having appeared as Major Erwin Brandt in the BBC series Secret Army from 1977 to 1978. He also had recurring roles in the Adventures of Black Beauty, the House of Eliott and Cadfael. He also had roles in shows like Space:1999 and the Return of Sherlock Holmes.

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Daniel Bird