Star Wars actor Alan Harris has died, aged 81.
Harris appeared in all three films of George Lucas’ original trilogy, but was best known for playing the reptilian bounty hunter Bossk in 1980 sequel The Empire Strikes Back.
In the film, Bossk is sent to capture the Millennium Falcon by Darth Vader.
Harris – whose agent described him as “one of life’s true gentlemen” – also played a stormtrooper in A New Hope (1977) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
Alliance Agents said the actor had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018.
“During his 30-year career, he worked as a background artist and stand in for dozens of productions including Flash Gordon, Superman, Space 1999, UFO, Doctor Who and The Protectors,” its statement read.
“Years after making the Star Wars films, Alan began a new career attending science fiction conventions and comic-cons all over the world.”
His agency said that Harris “loved meeting his fans, signing autographs for them and telling stories of his time in the film business”.
Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch paid tribute to the actor, writing: “We were so sorry to hear about Alan Harris – he was one of the nicest guys we have met – he was so modest and so very good with all the fans – he will be greatly missed.”
