'Return of the Jedi' actor Michael Pennington passes away at 82

Michael Pennington, the acclaimed star renowned for his role as Imperial Officer Moff Tiaan Jerjerrod, passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 82. With an extensive career in classical theatre, the celebrated actor left an indelible mark on the arts community, beyond portraying the commander of the second Death Star in the 1983 film, ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.’ While the actor unfortunately passed away on Sunday, as per The Telegraph, the cause of the misfortune was not mentioned. Born on June 7, 1943, as Michael Vivian Fyfe Pennington in England, the late actor was committed to the arts and crafts, specifically the work of Shakespeare. Joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1964, Pennington came into the limelight a year later through his work in ‘The War of the Roses.’ Moreover, he prominently starred in the high-profile role opposite Meryl Streep in the 1980’s ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman.’ “I realised I couldn’t let Hamlet go,” he had claimed to the aforementioned outlet, before adding, “It is one of the prizes.” The duo worked together again in ‘The Iron Lady,’ where she won the Academy Award for the project.Other than starring in roles, the late actor penned books about acting and the entertainment industry. He played his last part as a voice actor of The Trust in ‘Raised by Wolves’ by Ridley Scott. As for his personal life, Michael Pennington tied the knot with Katharine Baker in 1964, welcoming a son. However, the marriage did not last long, and the couple signed the divorce papers in 1967. Post the wedlock, he was in a long-term relationship with author Prue Skene, who passed away in 2025 after a short illness.