Michael Culver, the iconic Star Wars actor who angered Darth Vader, has died

The actor Michael Culverwho suffered one of the franchise’s most iconic on-screen deaths Star Wars, He died at the age of 85.

Culver died Feb. 27, according to a statement this week from his management agency.

An iconic scene

Culver’s career spanned more than fifty years, but he was perhaps best known for his role as Captain Needa Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

In the 1980 classic, Culver’s character flies towards the villain Darth Vader, willing to apologize and take responsibility for having made the rebels lose track. The scene cuts to Culver doubled over, panting before collapsing to the ground, a victim of Vader’s Force choking. “Apology accepted, Captain Needa,” the villain says.

THE iconic scene became a fixture of the film series, and the character of Captain Needa remains a fan favorite.

A long career

The British actor was born in London in 1938. He began acting on television in 1961, with notable appearances in the 1970s BBC drama series. Secret army and in the mystery series Cadfael in the 90’s.

He had roles in two James Bond films, Thunder AND From Russia with love.

He has also appeared in several films, including Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969) e Ticket to India (1984).

During the Iraq War, Culver began supporting anti-war protester Brian Haw, who had camped out during a demonstration about the conflict in Parliament Square. In 2023, Culver helped campaign for a statue of Haw to be erected in south London.

His agency, Alliance Agents, said in a statement that it was an “honor” to represent Culver and connect him with fans of Star Wars All over the world.

“The role in Star Wars “It was one of the smallest tournaments he ever played and it became one of the most important of his life.”

He continued: “He belonged to the backbone of the Nation, he wasn’t a star like Michael Caine, but everything he did was always excellent.”

“The highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was speechless when he saw his line of nearly 200 people waiting to see him,” the agency said.