Kenneth Colley, the actor well-known for portraying Admiral Piett in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Again and Return of the Jedi, bequeathed the vast majority of his £720,000 property to his sister, shut associates, and animal charities.
Property Particulars
Colley, who resided in Hythe, Kent, handed away in June 2025 at age 87. Newly launched probate paperwork reveal his property totaled £734,408 gross, netting £726,040 after deductions.
His will directed the Hythe property to his sister Michelle. He additionally allotted £10,000 to Katherine Slater in London. Particular bequests included £2,000 to the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary in Hythe, £20,000 to the Edith Cavell Fund for Nurses, and £5,000 to Demelza Home Kids’s Hospice in Sittingbourne. The rest went to good friend and executor Lynn Margaret Shaw, additionally of Hythe.
Colley died peacefully at dwelling following issues from COVID-19 and pneumonia.
Distinguished Profession Highlights
Manchester-born Colley loved a 60-year profession throughout stage, movie, and tv. His agent, Julian Owen, described him as “one among our most interesting character actors.” Owen highlighted roles from Jesus in Monty Python’s Lifetime of Brian alongside John Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Michael Palin, to components in Ken Russell movies and the Duke of Vienna within the BBC’s Measure for Measure.
Colley’s Admiral Piett commanded Darth Vader’s flagship. The character returned for Return of the Jedi after fan mail prompted George Lucas to incorporate him, in accordance with Colley. Current appearances spanned Holby Metropolis, Peaky Blinders, and a Physician Who particular. He additionally portrayed Horatio Viscount Nelson within the TV sequence I Keep in mind Nelson.
Actor and director Terry Gilliam famous Colley’s real-life stammer vanished on set, enabling flawless line supply. Colley integrated stuttering because the Accordion Man within the BBC drama Pennies from Heaven.
Past appearing, Colley cherished gardening, artwork amassing, and quick automobiles. His Star Wars function drew invites to international fan conventions.
