Michael Pennington, Star Wars and Shakespeare actor, dies at 82

Michael Pennington, who portrayed Moff Jerjerrod, the Death Star Commander, in Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, has passed away at the age of 82, as confirmed by his representatives. Born on June 7, 1943, in Cambridge, England, he launched his acting career in 1965 with a minor role in the BBC mini-series The War of the Roses. An Honorary Associate Artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company, he co-founded the English Shakespeare Company alongside director Michael Bogdanov. Actress Miriam Margolyes honored him as a "very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear," recalling their friendship from Cambridge University. Pennington's extensive filmography includes over 70 roles, such as starring with Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady. His final role was in 2022, voicing The Trust in Raised by Wolves.