Michael Pennington, beloved British actor and Shakespeare performer, has died at 82. He was best known to fans for playing Imperial officer Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Born in Cambridge in 1943, Pennington built a celebrated career in theater and film, co-founding the English Shakespeare Company in 1986. He also appeared in Hamlet and The Iron Lady, where he portrayed politician Michael Foot.
Tributes poured in after news of his death, including from actress Miriam Margolyes, who called him a “brilliant, wise” actor and a dear old friend. Pennington often spoke about how Judi Dench inspired his love for theater. His final credited role was in the sci-fi series Raised by Wolves in 2022.
He is survived by his son, Mark.