Who is Jeremy Bulloch, Star Wars actor dies aged 75?

Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in the original films, has died aged 75. Below is an overview of the star's career and personal life.
December 18, 2020 | 08:59
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Jeremy Bulloch with the Boba Fett costume at a Star Wars exhibition in London in 2017 (Photo: Shutter Stock)
Jeremy Bulloch with the Boba Fett costume at a Star Wars exhibition in London in 2017 (Photo: Shutter Stock)

Jeremy Bulloch's death

The English actor died in hospital on Thursday from “health complications following his many years living with Parkinson’s disease”, according to his agent.

Bulloch played the bounty hunter in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Return of the Jedi in 1983. A statement from his agent said: “We are very sad to announce the death of actor Jeremy Bulloch earlier today”.

He died peacefully, in hospital, surrounded by his family.

“Jeremy was best-known for the role of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy.

He had a long and happy career spanning more than 45 years. He was devoted to his wife, three sons and 10 grandchildren and they will miss him terribly. We ask that their privacy be respected at this very difficult time.”

Some of Bulloch’s Star Wars co-stars paid tribute on social media, Guardian repoted.

Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, tweeted: “Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman.

A fine actor, delightful company & so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him.

“I will deeply miss him & am so grateful to have known him. RIP – DearJeremy.”

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(Photo: captured)

Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the original trilogy, said: “Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy, RIP Jeremy Bulloch Boba Fett.”

The official Star Wars Twitter account also paid tribute, writing: “He will be remembered not only for his iconic portrayal of the legendary character, but also for his warmth and generous spirit which have become an enduring part of his rich legacy.”

Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones in 2002, paid tribute to Bulloch on Instagram, writing: “RIP legend I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me! I’ll love you forever! Conventions won’t be the same without you – may the force be with you always.”

Jeremy Bulloch’s early life

Bulloch was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England, one of six children. From the age of five, he enjoyed acting and singing after a school show. He began acting at the age of ten and has “appeared in [several] Disney films, British sitcoms and plays.” He trained at Corona Stage Academy, according to XYZ.

Career

Beginnings

At the age of twelve, Bulloch’s first professional appearance was in a breakfast cereal commercial. After several uncredited screen appearances, Bulloch’s first regular role was in the 1960 TV series Counter-Attack! and (the same year) The Chequered Flag. He went on to have a recurring role in Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School (1961) and a regular role in The Newcomers (1965–67). At the age of seventeen, he portrayed Hamlet on stage. In 1962, he starred alongside Cliff Richard in the musical film Summer Holiday. He had a part in The Devil’s Agent, which also starred Christopher Lee who later portrayed Count Dooku in the Prequel Trilogy. He also appeared in two Doctor Who stories, The Space Museum (1965) and The Time Warrior (1973). Coincidently, Bulloch, David Prowse and John Hollis, all of whom would later appear in The Empire Strikes Back appeared in a Jon Pertwee Doctor Who serial. From 1979 to 1981, he was a regular in the ITV sitcom Agony, in which he played Rob Illingworth, one half of a gay couple. He also has minor roles in three James Bond films, twice playing Smithers, an assistant to Q.

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(Photo: Nerdist)

Star Wars

In a career spanning over half a century, he is most famous for his role in Boba Fett’s costume in the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi – despite the character’s “minimal screen time.”

While portraying Fett, Bulloch drew some inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s the Man with No Name. Both Fett and Eastwood’s character in A Fistful of Dollars wear similar capes, cradle their gun, ready to shoot and move in slow motion. In an interview in 2014, Bulloch recalled when he said to an Imperial Officer (before Fett leaves Cloud City on Slave I with Solo frozen in carbonite), “Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold,” when he actually said, “Put Captain Cargo in the Solo Hold.”

In 2004, Bulloch published a limited edition memoir, Flying Solo, which is a humorous account of his personal and professional life, interspersed with tales from the convention circuit. In 2005, for the first time in 22 years, he once again made an appearance in a Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith.

In an interview in 2013, he expressed an interest in being involved in a future Star Wars film in some way saying, “The lovely thing is…if I’m wearing a helmet, no one knows how old I am.” However, since then he has denied involvement in future projects. Although Boba Fett did not appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, long before the film’s release, Bulloch hinted that an anthology film, which will focus on the origins of Boba Fett will be made.

He was featured in the 2015 documentary Elstree 1976; a behind-the-scenes film, which focuses on the lives of some actors and extras who appeared in the Star Wars original trilogy. The documentary had a premiere at the BFI London Film Festival

Personal life

Jeremy Bulloch’s wife

Maureen Bulloch is the wife of the legendary Star Wars actor, The Sun reported. Maureen lived with Jeremy in their family home in Tooting for more than fifty years. They also spent over 20 years travelling the world together, visiting fans of his character Boba Fett.

Maureen Bulloch and his wife (Photo: The Sun)
Maureen Bulloch and his wife (Photo: The Sun)

Maureen Bulloch’s children

Jeremy and Maureen have three sons. They also have 10 grandchildren. During his final days at St George's Hospital in Tooting, Maureen and two of his sons, Jamie and Robbie, were able to stay by his side.

His family released a statement after his death, which said: "He was devoted to his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren, who all love him dearly and will miss him terribly."

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