British actor Michael Culver, famed for his cameo role in iconic science fiction epic The Empire Strikes Back, has passed away aged 85.
Cause of Death
Culver’s passing was announced by his agent on Wednesday and comes after the actor suffered a long battle with poor health. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
Confirming the actor’s passing in a statement, they said: ‘We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver.
Announcement From His Agent
‘A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.
‘Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000’s to concentrate his efforts into his political activism.
‘It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe.
‘A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him.
‘We worked with Michael just 3 weeks ago at his last home signing with our friends at Elite Signatures.
‘Michael died on Tuesday 27th February at the age of 85. We miss him.’
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Brief Biography
Born in Hampstead and trained at the London Academy of Dramatic Art, Culver began his career onstage with Dundee Repertory Theatre, where he appeared in 35 plays across a two year period, before branching into classical Shakespeare at The Old Vic and the more contemporary Ibsen in London’s West End.
His first, uncredited film role came in 1963 with a fleeting appearance in James Bond classic From Russia With Love. He would return to the spy franchise two years later, playing a Vulcan bomber crewman in Thunderball.
But his most enduring big screen role would come in 1980, with a part in the Irvin Kershner directed Star Wars sequel The Empire Strikes Back.
