Jeremy Bulloch, the actor who originally brought the iconic character of Boba Fett to life in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, has died aged 75.
After the recent passing of one Star Wars legend, it saddens us to report that Jeremy Bulloch, the English actor who physically embodied the character of Boba Fett, has passed away at the age of 74.
The news was confirmed on Instagram by Daniel Logan, who portrayed a young Boba Fett in 2002’s Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones.
“It brings me to tears to announce Jeremy Bulloch has past [sic] away,” wrote Logan. “RIP legend Ill [sic] never forget all you’ve taught me.!! I’ll love you forever.!! Conventions wont [sic] be the same without you.”
“May the Force be with you always.”
Born in Leicester, UK, in 1945, Bulloch began acting when he was 13 years old and ultimately had a career spanning over 50 years.
During this time Bulloch appeared in several low-budget films before moving up the ranks when he appeared in a number of BBC productions, including recurring roles in Doctor Who and co-starring in a Robin Hood series titled Robin Of Sherwood.
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Some fans may also remember the English actor for his brief appearances in three James Bond films, 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, 1981’s For Your Eyes Only, and 1983’s Octopussy.
But Bulloch’s crowning achievement was when he was cast as Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back, a role in which his face is never seen or his voice heard ironically enough.
While Jason Wingreen provided the voice of Boba Fett, it was Bulloch who donned the character’s iconic Mandalorian armor, something he would do again in Return Of The Jedi.
Speaking about the portrayal of Fett to Thrillist in 2016, Bulloch said he “didn’t get too much” direction other than he’s a “soldier or bounty hunter.”
“You see the different costumes, they’re all standing there,” recalled Bulloch, “You’ve got [director] Irvin Kershner who is a great director, just huge fun. He sort of made it bearable in the heat, and he said, ‘We’re finished with you shortly, so we’ll get you out of that costume. Don’t worry.’
“I said, ‘No, I’m fine,’ because I didn’t want to be seen being a ninny going, ‘Oh, it’s awfully hot, can we have a break?’ You don’t do that. You just carry on filming until you’re released.”
The popularity of Boba Fett still burns brightly today as the character is now a prominent part of The Mandalorian, demonstrating that Bulloch left behind quite the legacy.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
