Michael Pennington: Star Wars Actor Dies at 82, Here's His Profile

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The entertainment world is mourning the passing of veteran British actor Michael Pennington, who passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 82.

His passing was confirmed by his friend and actress, Miriam Margolyes, who stated that Pennington passed away at Denville Hall, a retirement home for retired actors.

The cause of death has not been publicly announced.

Pennington is known globally for his unforgettable role as Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerrod in the 1983 film Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi' Actor Michael Pennington Dead at 82 https://t.co/s8zjFJFjf2 pic.twitter.com/75dAa3gSKY

— TMZ (@TMZ) May 10, 2026

Michael Pennington made his mark in cinema history as Moff Jerjerrod, the Death Star commander responsible for the construction of Death Star II.

His role in 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi was a highlight of his career.

One of the most iconic scenes involving Moff Jerjerrod is when he is threatened by Darth Vader on behalf of Emperor Palpatine due to the slow progress of the Death Star project.

In this tense scene, Darth Vader warns him, "I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am."

Despite his extensive experience on the stage, Pennington has often acknowledged that his role in Star Wars has earned him lasting attention.

Born Michael Vivian Fyfe Pennington on June 7, 1943, in Cambridge, England, Pennington demonstrated his love of acting from an early age.

He attended Marlborough College and then studied English at Trinity College, Cambridge.

After graduating in 1964, he immediately joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), marking the beginning of his illustrious theatrical career.

In 1986, with director Michael Bogdanov, Pennington founded the English Shakespeare Company (ESC), where he served as Co-Artistic Director until 1992.

The ESC is known for its innovative approach to bringing modern interpretations of Shakespeare's works to a wider audience through ambitious touring productions.

A leading Shakespearean actor, Pennington has starred in numerous major productions, including leading roles in Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth, and Richard II.

He also played Fortinbras in David Warner's 1965 version of Hamlet.

In addition to his iconic role in Star Wars and his dedication to theater, Michael Pennington also has a significant career in film and television. He appeared in The Iron Lady (2011) alongside Meryl Streep, playing Michael Foot.

His television appearances include leading roles in Oedipus Rex (1986) and the television film The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1987).

He also appeared in popular TV series such as The Bill, The Tudors, Waking the Dead, and Silent Witness.

On radio, he played Sherlock Holmes's nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in two BBC radio dramatizations.

Besides acting, Pennington is also a prolific writer.

He has authored ten books on acting and directing, including "Are You There, Crocodile?".

His most recent role was as the voice of The Trust in the 2022 series Raised by Wolves.

In his personal life, Michael Pennington married actress Katharine Barker in 1964 and had a son, Mark, before they divorced in 1967.

From 1978, he shared an apartment with actress Jane Lapotaire.

He was also in a long-term relationship with writer Prue Skene, who died in 2025.

Miriam Margolyes, an actress and longtime friend, expressed her grief on social media, calling Pennington "a wonderful, brilliant, thoughtful, clear actor."

Many fans also expressed their condolences, with one writing, "May the Force be with you, my brother," and another calling him a "legend."