Jeremy Bulloch dead: Mark Hamill leads tributes as ‘delightful and kind’ Star Wars Boba Fett actor dies aged 75

Mark Hamill leads tributes as Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch dies (Picture: Rex)

Mark Hamill was seen leading tributes to Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch, following news of his death.

The star, who was the original actor of Boba Fett in the much-loved Disney franchise, died aged 75 following unnamed health complications.

Bulloch’s death was confirmed on his official website, with tributes soon flooding in for the movie talent.

Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker alongside Bulloch in the original Star Wars trilogy, described his former co-star as ‘delightful company’ and ‘so kind’.

Sharing pictures of his friend, Hamill tweeted: ‘Jeremy Bulloch was the quintessential English gentleman.

‘A fine actor, delightful company & so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him. I will deeply miss him & am so grateful to have known him #RIP_DearJeremy.’

Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the original Star Wars, tweeted: ‘Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. RIP Jeremy Bulloch #BobaFett

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Also seen paying tribute was Star Wars: The Force Awakens star Greg Grunberg, known for playing Temmin ‘Snap’ Wexley in the 2015 release, as he simply tweeted: ‘RIP #jeremybulloch#StarWars original #BobaFett.’

The official Star Wars Twitter account remembered Bulloch for his ‘warmth and generous spirit’.

‘Jeremy Bulloch, whose unforgettable performance as notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett has captivated audiences since he first appeared in 1980’s Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has sadly passed away,’ its post read.

‘He will be remembered not only for his iconic portrayal of the legendary character, but also for his warmth and generous spirit which have become an enduring part of his rich legacy.’

Bulloch appeared in the initial Star Wars trilogy, released in the 1980’s, and made his debut as the masked bounty hunter in The Empire Strikes Back, before reprising the role in Return Of The Jedi in 1983.

In 2018, Bulloch credited his Star Wars role for changing ‘the entire direction of my life’.

He said at the time: ‘‘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.

Bulloch was famed for playing masked bounty hunter Boba Fett (Picture: Rex)

‘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. May the Force be with you always.’

On Thursday it was confirmed on Bulloch’s official website that he had ‘died peacefully’ with wife Maureen and their sons by his side.

A statement shared online read: ‘Jeremy died peacefully on 17th December 2020 following health complications, including several years living with Parkinson’s disease. He spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of staff at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, close to the house where he and his wife Maureen had lived together for more than fifty years.

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‘Maureen and two of his sons, Jamie and Robbie, were with him during his final days. Jeremy had a long and happy life as an actor and was best known for his roles in the films Summer Holiday, Star Wars and James Bond; TV series the Newcomers, Doctor Who, Agony and Robin of Sherwood, and several West End theatre productions.’

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It continued: ‘Away from the screen Jeremy was a talented footballer and cricketer. He also supported a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital who saved his granddaughter’s life.

‘He was devoted to his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren, who all love him dearly and will miss him terribly.’

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