Back in 1977, actor Richard LeParmentier became embedded in the collective conscience when he, playing Admiral Motti, was choked to death onscreen by iconic villain Darth Vader in "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." Since then the actor had carved out a career on British television. The actor's life came to sudden end on Tuesday April 16, 2013.
According to numerous reports, LeParmentier, 66, died suddenly Tuesday morning in Austin while visiting his children. His publicist Derek Maki could not present a cause of death.
The thespian was born in Pittsburgh, PA but moved to Britain in 1974. After his break in "Star Wars" he went on to play numerous roles in diverse TV shows and movies and finished his life as a screenwriter. Among the roles that he portrayed is that of a reporter in 1980's "Superman II." On that set he met actress Sarah Douglas, the villainess Ursa, and the two were married from 1981 until 1984. He also worked on the James Bond film "Octopussy," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit,"and "Rollerball."
According to USA Today, "LeParmentier read for the role of Han Solo (which, of course, ultimately went to Harrison Ford) but director George Lucas instead cast him as a bureaucrat in Mos Eisley on the planet Tattooine. The small part was cut just before production started, but a month later he was hired to do two scenes as the tortured Imperial officer."
"He absolutely loved traveling the world and meeting his friends and fellow Stars Wars fans, whose tributes have given us all the best lines in this message," LeParmentier's family stated.
The noted that he is "one with the force" and "Every time we find someone's lack of faith disturbing, we'll think of him."
Watch the famous scene below.
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