London (AFP)
British actor Jeremy Bulloch, who played famous bounty hunter Boba Fett in the "Star Wars" films, has died at the age of 75.
He died at Tooting Hospital in south London on Thursday "after health complications, including several years with Parkinson's disease," according to his website.
"Jeremy has had a long and happy life as an actor and was best known for his roles in the Summer Holiday, Star Wars and James Bond films," he said.
Born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, Bulloch appeared on several television shows in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Doctor Who" and "Robin of Sherwood", and had supporting roles in three James Bonds.
But he is best known for his role as fan favorite Boba Fett in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi".
Partners of "Star Wars" paid tribute to him on social networks.
“Jeremy Bulloch was the epitome of the English gentleman,” Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, said on Twitter.
Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian, tweeted: "Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy ... RIP Jeremy Bulloch."
Although Boba Fett has been a relatively minor character in the films, he has been a huge fan favorite and is currently played by New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison in the popular TV series "The Mandalorian" which is set in the universe of the Star Wars saga.
In 2018, Bulloch thanked his fans, after deciding to "hang up Fett's helmet."
"In 1979, I was called to the set of the Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett and it has changed my life wonderfully," he posted on his website.
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to inspire so many generations of Star Wars fans. I have spent over 20 years traveling with my wife Maureen to amazing countries and met so many fans wonderful. Thank you all very much and we will miss you all. May the Force always be with you ".
© 2020 AFP