Kenneth Colley, Admiral Piett Actor, Left $1 Million to a Cat Sanctuary in His Will

Kenneth Colley, best known to Star Wars fans as Admiral Piett, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the bridge of an Imperial Star Destroyer.

According to reports, Colley — who portrayed Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — bequeathed $1 million to a cat sanctuary in his will.

A villain on screen. A hero off screen.

---

The Face of the Empire

Admiral Piett holds a unique place in Star Wars history. Introduced as a nervous officer trying to survive the unforgiving command structure of Darth Vader, Piett went on to become one of the longest-serving Imperial officers in the original trilogy.

While many officers met sudden ends, Piett’s character arc stood out for his quiet determination — even if his loyalty ultimately placed him on the losing side of the Galactic Civil War.

Colley’s performance gave Piett something rare among Imperial ranks: humanity.

---

A Real-Life Soft Spot

Off camera, Colley’s final act paints a very different picture from the uniformed officer who reported directly to Vader. His decision to leave a significant portion of his estate to a cat sanctuary highlights a lifelong compassion for animals.

It’s a reminder that the people behind iconic roles often carry deeply personal causes — ones that have nothing to do with blasters, starships, or galactic politics.

---

A Legacy Beyond the Empire

For fans, Colley will always be the steady voice responding with “Yes, my Lord” aboard the Executor. But stories like this ensure his legacy is more than just a line in a script.

In a franchise full of redemption arcs, this one happened in real life.

---

Villain on screen. Hero off screen.

Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!

Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, bsky or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time.