Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley dies aged 87

Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley has died at the age of 87, his agent has announced.

The film and television performer is best known for starring in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as Admiral Piett, an imperial officer in command of Darth Vader's flagship.

He died peacefully at his home in Ashford, Kent, on Monday after contracting Covid and developing pneumonia, his agent Julian Owen said in a statement.

"Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years," Mr Owens said.

In later years, Colley reprised his role of Admiral Piett when he voiced the character in the 2012 animated Lego production, Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out.

He also had parts in international productions including Clint Eastwood's Firefox and the Second World War series War and Remembrance.

Mr Owen said Colley's paticipation in Star Wars led him to being invited to conventions and fan events all over the world.

"Ken also loved his garden, art collecting and had a passion for fast cars," he added.

Colley is also known for playing Jesus in Monty Python's Life of Brian alongside John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Michael Palin.