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….
Kenneth Colley
Star Wars Actor Kenneth Colley Passes Away at 87
The galaxy has lost one of its most dignified Imperial officers. Kenneth Colley, the actor who brought Admiral Piett to life in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has died at the age of 87. Known for his quiet intensity and memorable screen presence, Colley passed away peacefully after complications related to COVID and pneumonia following a fall. A Career That Spanned Galaxies and Genres Born in Manchester in 1937, Colley was never the loudest actor in the room—but he was often the most memorable. With a career that spanned stage and screen, he worked with some of Britain’s most notable directors and theater companies. His nuanced performances were marked by subtlety, intellect, and a kind of quiet magnetism that pulled audiences in. He played everything from historical figures in Ken Russell films to biblical roles—most famously, a dead-serious Jesus in Monty Python’s Life of…