April 17th, 2013
10:36 AM ET
'Star Wars' actor Richard LeParmentier diesActor Richard LeParmentier, who memorably felt the force of Darth Vader's wrath as Adm. Motti in 1977's "Star Wars," has died, CNN confirms. He was 66. According to a statement from production company Lucasfilm, LeParmentier was born in Pennsylvania, but had been living in the UK during the peak of his acting career.
His role in "Star Wars" may have been a small one, but it was "unforgettable," Lucasfilm said. LeParmentier's portrayal of Adm. Motti "demonstrated both the lofty hubris of the Galactic Empire, and the rumbling power of the Force. LeParmentier has the distinction of being the first actor telekinetically throttled by Darth Vader on-screen for his disturbing lack of faith." [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzs-OvfG8tE?feature=player_embedded&w=450&h=360%5D (As it turns out, LeParmentier also auditioned for the role of Han Solo, but ended up being assigned another character. When that role was cut, his agent sent over the script for the part of Adm. Motti. "I read it, and I thought, 'Well, OK, it's two scenes at least, so I'll do that,'" LeParmentier told Star Wars Insider magazine in 1998.) LeParmentier's resume extends far beyond the "Star Wars" galaxy. He appeared in a number of film and TV projects, including titles like "Superman II" in 1980, the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy," and 1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in June. According to Entertainment Weekly, LeParmentier died suddenly while visiting family in Austin, Texas. His family said in a statement that he usually lived in Bath, England, and they "feel very lucky to have been able to spend time with him on a regular basis." "Every time we find someone’s lack of faith disturbing, we’ll think of him," the statement said. "At age 66, Richard Le Parmentier is one with the Force. We’re deeply grateful to the many devoted fans who have posted personal remembrances of our dad as a warm, genuine person with an unparalleled joie de vivre and gift for friendship (not to mention a mean petanque player). ... He has gone to the Stars, and he will be missed."
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I have no recollection of any scene in Episodes I, II, III or VI, but those two minutes from the original movie were awesome.
Uh, who???
nice glasses.
OK. i'll ask.... "WHO????". oh. a BORING, DRY star wars film. never mind
His last words were "Arggakkakkackkkasafffffffffffffffff................."
may the force be with his family in this sad time
So, of all the imperial officers sitting around the big round table, which of those actors are still alive? (other than Prowse-Earl-Jones)
Where was vader at the time of this guys death?
Dick Cheney was in town when this happened.
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rip sir..
And, lest we forget, just 2 years earlier, he played toady to John Houseman's Mr. Bartholomew in the SciFi classic "Rollerball"
ridiculous movie
RIP
He will forever live on in the memories of three generations. Thank you for being a part of our modern mythology. RIP
RIP–Sorry he passed
daz wut i'm talkin about!
He got the veins in his neck bulging while getting force-choked. Small role but he definitely made the most of it.
I hope he rests in peace. I'm sure that his family, friends, and fans will miss him greatly.
I would say to him "May the Force be with you" but he might misinterpret that as a threat.
this is sad.. im glad i actually got to meet him at a comicon in dallas a couple years ago. he was very nice and funny.
i spoke to him and he augraphed a picture for me. makes that moment so much more special
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this guy is awsome
RIP Mr. LeParmentier.
Always sad when I hear someone younger than me passes over the Rainbow Bridge.
I find his lack of life disturbing
Guess his "lack of faith" finally caught up with him!
organized religion – last bastion for the ignorant
Atheism - Last bastion of the arrogant.
RIP
i find your comment disturbing.
I will always remember Mr. Leparmentier as Admiral Motti. My condolences go out to his family.
Octop*ssy: a great film about that Octomom lady with all the kids...
Lol!
dirk DIGGLER.
diggler.
@Randell G., Dirk Diggler was the guy from Boogie Nights. I'm not him, nor am I trying to be.