Exclaim!

Star Wars' Original Boba Fett Actor Jeremy Bulloch Dead at 75

Star Wars' Original Boba Fett Actor Jeremy Bulloch Dead at 75
By Brock Thiessen
Published Dec 17, 2020
Jeremy Bulloch — the British actor who played the beloved Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy — has died. He was 75.

The actor's passing was confirmed earlier today via multiple social media posts from friends and colleagues, though a cause of death remains unclear.

Born in Leicestershire, England, in 1945, Bulloch started a career in television on programs such as Doctor Who and Robin of Sherwood, as well as in films like Mary, Queen of Scots and The Spy Who Loved Me. But the actor no doubt made his biggest pop-culture impact through his role in George Lucas' Star Wars.

In The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Bulloch suited up as the original Boba Fett — a character who would quickly go on to become a fan favourite and eventually even lead to the hit Mandalorian series. It should be noted that while Bulloch was the man mainly behind the armour, the character was voiced by Jason Wingreen.

Bulloch would later return to the Star Wars universe for 2005's Revenge of the Sith, in which he made a cameo appearance as Captain Colton. However, the actor retired from the convention circuit in 2014. At the time, he shared the following message:

In 1979 I was called onto the set of Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett, and since that day it has changed the entire direction of my life in such a wonderful way. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to inspire so many generations of Star Wars fans. I have had over 20 years of travelling with my wife Maureen to some amazing countries and have met so many wonderful fans. Thank you all so much and we will miss you all.  

Strangely enough, Boba Fett recently returned to Star Wars and appeared in an episode of The Mandalorian.

You can see a few of many tributes to Bulloch now pouring in.
 

It is with huge sadness I can report that we have lost Jeremy Bulloch. Jeremy was the 2nd guest I ever met and one I...

Posted by Jason Griffiths on Thursday, 17 December 2020