Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch, who played bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original blockbusters has died on Thursday at age 75 in his native England. The actor suffered from health complications, including several years living with Parkinson’s disease.
Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in the Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, paid tribute on social media, sharing a picture of them together.
“It brings me tears to announce Jeremy Bulloch has passed away. RIP Legend I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me. I’ll love you forever.”
Bulloch spent his final weeks at St. George’s Hospital in Tooting, close to his home, where he and his wife Maureen had lived for more than 50 years. Maureen and two sons, Jamie and Robie, were with hi during his final days.
According to his website, Jeremy Bulloch had a long and happy life as an actor. He was best known for his roles in the films Star Wars, James Bond and Summer Holiday. He was also part of several notable television series and West End theater productions.
“Away from the screen, Jeremy was a talented footballer and cricketer. He also supported a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital who saved his granddaughter’s life. He was devoted to his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren, who all love him dearly and will miss him terribly,” said the statement.
The talented actor was called onto the set of Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett in 1979, and said that day “has changed the entire direction of my life in such a wonderful way.”
In the Star Wars films, Bulloch wore the Fett costume, but the character’s voice was initially provided by Jason Wingreen before the updated versions with Temuera Morrison, who is currently playing the role on The Mandalorian. Bulloch had a cameo in Empire sans mask, playing an Imperial officer on Cloud City. He also had a cameo in 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
In August 2018, the actor decided hang up the Fett helmet and stop attending Stars Wars conventions, much to the sadness of his loyal fans. Logan once said that Bulloch had a special relationship with his fans and even had a room of fan-made things, letters and artwork.
After the news of his passing came in, Star Wars fans and all the people who have come to known Jeremy Bulloch expressed their grief and remembered the wonderful life the actor had lived.
Jeremy Bulloch, whose unforgettable performance as notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett has captivated audiences since he first appeared in 1980's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, has sadly passed away. pic.twitter.com/Wekhv3rxqN
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 17, 2020
I am sad to hear of the passing of Jeremy Bulloch a Star Wars family member. I will never forget all you taught me and all the good times we had together. You will be forever remembered. Cons won't be the same with out you. The Force will be with you always. RIP my Mando brother! pic.twitter.com/IacykI6N9B
— Daniel Logan (@Daniel_Logan) December 18, 2020
Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy 💔RIP Jeremy Bulloch #BobaFett
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) December 17, 2020
Aw man. Sad news here – the Star Wars fam has lost another original trilogy cast member.
— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) December 17, 2020
Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (the body, not the voice) has passed away at 75 today. May the Force be with him. pic.twitter.com/ATvZveuwOx
Our heartfelt tribute to Jeremy Bulloch, the original actor to play #BobaFett on screen, who has passed away: https://t.co/9SNbflElpr 🔖 pic.twitter.com/bTlFrdUHHH
— Boba Fett Fan Club (@bobafettfanclub) December 17, 2020
RIP @Jeremybulloch. @bobafett. I'll never forget meeting u pic.twitter.com/UGXhGIjBhL
— Nevil Gadd (@nevilgadd) December 17, 2020
Like many my age, I was a #StarWars maniac as a kid, and #BobaFett was the coolest of the cool. #RIPJeremyBulloch
— Scott G (@ScottyWG) December 18, 2020
Before Empire, we got a sneak peak at Fett in the 78 Star Wars Holiday Special. Notice his weapon appears to be the inspiration for #TheMandolorian sniper rifle. pic.twitter.com/wN2GxWhs1i