In Loving Memory Of The Stars Behind Star Wars

15. Jack Purvis

Jack Purvis, who played the Chief Jawa in A New Hope and Chief Ugnaught in The Empire Strikes Back, died in 1997 at age 60. Despite his small stature, he stood tall in some of the era’s most iconic fantasy films, leaving behind a cult legacy. | © Walt Disney Pictures

14. Harry Fielder

Harry Fielder, who played Corporal Grenwick in A New Hope, died in February 2021 at age 80. A familiar face in British film and TV for decades, he built a steady career from small roles that added up to something lasting. | © Walt Disney Pictures

13. Alex McCrindle

Alex McCrindle, who played General Jan Dodonna in the original Star Wars from 1977, died in 1990 at the age of 78. Though he had a long career in film and TV, that one mission briefing in the Rebel base became his most iconic moment. | © Walt Disney Pictures

12. Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing, who played Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars, died in 1994 at the age of 81. Decades later, his character returned to the screen in Rogue One thanks to digital effects recreating his likeness. | © Walt Disney Pictures

11. John Hollis

John Hollis, who played the silent and stoic Lobot in The Empire Strikes Back, died in 2005 at age 77. Though his character never spoke, Hollis left a lasting impression with just a look. | © Walt Disney Pictures

10. Felix Silla

Felix Silla, who appeared as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, died in April 2021 at age 84. His friends remembered him not just for his roles but for his sharp sense of humor and unforgettable presence at fan events. | © Walt Disney Pictures

9. Paul Grant

Paul Grant, who played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, died in March 2023 at just 56. At 4'4", he lived with a rare genetic disorder but still carved out a memorable career in film as both an actor and stuntman. | © Walt Disney Pictures

8. Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee, who played the Sith Lord Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, died in June 2015 at the age of 93. Known for commanding roles across genres, he left behind a legacy that fans continue to celebrate. | © Walt Disney Pictures

7. Gary Friedkin

Gary Friedkin, who appeared as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, died in December 2022 at age 70 after battling COVID-19. Though a small figure on screen, he was remembered by loved ones as a giant in heart and spirit. | © Walt Disney Pictures

6. Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, died in August 2000 at the age of 86. His performance as the wise Jedi Master earned him an Oscar nomination and became one of his most iconic roles. | © Walt Disney Pictures

5. David Prowse

David Prowse, the man behind Darth Vader’s imposing frame, died in November 2020 at age 85. Though James Earl Jones voiced the character, it was Prowse’s physical presence that made Vader so unforgettable on screen. | © Walt Disney Pictures

4. Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy and beyond, died in 2019 at the age of 74. He brought warmth and personality to the role, turning Chewie into much more than just a towering sidekick. | © Walt Disney Pictures

3. Jeremy Bulloch

Jeremy Bulloch, who first suited up as Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back, died in December 2020 at age 75. He even returned to the franchise as Captain Colton in Revenge of the Sith. | © Walt Disney Pictures

2. James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, who gave Darth Vader his unforgettable voice, passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93. Though he only made $7,000 for the original film, his deep, commanding tone helped turn Vader into one of cinema’s most iconic villains. | © Walt Disney Pictures

1. Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia starting at just 19, became the heart of the original Star Wars trilogy and returned for the sequels decades later. She died in December 2016 at age 60, just one day before her mother, Debbie Reynolds. | © Walt Disney Pictures