You likely don't know Richard Bonehill by name, but if you watched Star Wars like seemingly every child from the '70s-and-onward, chances are you're familiar with his work. He played Nien Nunb, the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, as well as a Stormtrooper, Rebel Solider, TIE pilot, Tauntaun wrangler, just to name a few, in the original sequels.
It just has been revealed that, as of Tuesday, the character actor has passed away. He was 67.
The Hollywood Reporter uncovered the death. At the moment, the cause of death for Bonehill is unknown. It was first announced by the illustrious Truro Fencing Club on Twitter — the organization where Bonehill saw the development of three Olympian fencers to the 2012 Olympics. He was the president of the club until he died, and served as head coach of the Cornwall Club for 12 years up until 2007. Bonehill was considered an excellent swordsman and horseman.
In addition to his work in the Truro Fencing Club and in Star Wars, he also played roles, or served as a stunt man or fenceman, in films like Flash Gordon, Highlander, Top Secret!, Rob Roy and the TV series Doctor Who, just to name a few.
While Bonehill worked in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, he did not work on the original Star Wars film and he played no role in the prequels or J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
When asked who his favorite character to play was in 2006, he replied with the stormtrooper because, "I have become very attached and proud to have been a snowtrooper and stormtrooper. The stormtrooper really has become an iconic symbol of the Empire, so I would pick him as my favorite character." He notes he once favored the Rebel solider, however, because "it was the most comfortable costume to wear."