MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Jeremy Bulloch, the original Boba Fett, die? Fans remember rich legacy of the 'best bounty hunter'

The Englishman had a lengthy career, appearing in several films and television shows, including 'Doctor Who' and Robin of 'Sherwood' and had more than 100 acting credits

Jeremy Bulloch, the actor who played the character of the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, died on Thursday, December 17, at the age of 75.

Bulloch’s family wrote on the actor’s website, “Jeremy died peacefully on 17th December 2020 following health complications, including several years living with Parkinson’s disease. He spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of staff at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, close to the house where he and his wife Maureen had lived together for more than fifty years. Maureen and two of his sons, Jamie and Robbie, were with him during his final days.”

Actor Daniel Logan, who played the younger version of Boba Fett in 2002's 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' confirmed the news about the veteran actor's demise in his native England. He wrote: "IT BRINGS ME TO TEARS TO ANNOUNCE JEREMY BULLOCH HAS PAST AWAY.!! RIP LEGEND ILL NEVER FORGET ALL YOU’VE TAUGHT ME.!! I’LL LOVE YOU FOREVER.!! CONVENTIONS WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU ALWAYS"

Born on February 16, 1945, in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England, Bulloch played the mysterious and fan-favorite bounty hunter in 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi'. The Englishman had a lengthy career, appearing in several films and television shows, including 'Doctor Who' and Robin of 'Sherwood'. He had more than 100 acting credits, including the film 'Summer Holiday'. Apart from 'Star Wars', Bulloch also appeared in the Eighties-era James Bond films 'For Your Eyes Only' and 'Octopussy' and in an unmasked role, Captain Colton in 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'.

According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, Bulloch fell into the fan-favorite role: His half-brother was Star Wars producer Robert Watts, who was tasked with finding someone to fit the pre-made suit. Bulloch said in a 2015 AMA interview, “I remember George Lucas saying, ‘Welcome aboard. It’s not a big role, but I think you’ll have some fun.’” 

In the ensuing decades, Bulloch became a strength at Star Wars fan conventions until his retirement from the circuit in 2018. “In 1979 I was called onto the set of Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett, and since that day it has changed the entire direction of my life in such a wonderful way,” Bulloch wrote at the time. “It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to inspire so many generations of Star Wars fans.”

Star Wars tweeted the news and said, "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." In another tweet, the film franchise wrote, "He will be remembered not only for his iconic portrayal of the legendary character, but also for his warmth and generous spirit which have become an enduring part of his rich legacy."

Soon his fans started remembering him on social media, as one internet user said, "So sad to hear that Jeremy Bulloch has passed away. An actor of the highest calibre, a #StarWars legend, and a true gentleman." Another fan shared a picture with him and said, "Met Jeremy Bulloch six years ago and for an infamous intergalactic bounty hunter he was kind, down to earth and very patient when it came to my onslaught of questions. RIP #BobaFett #JeremyBulloch."

Another one thanked him and said, "Thank you Jeremy Bulloch for bringing one of the best movie bounty hunters to life. You may now become one with the force." While calling him a "kind soul" another account tweeted, "RIP Jeremy Bulloch who brought the iconic character of Boba Fett to life in the original #StarWars trilogy. He was a kind soul and we are all better for having known him. "

Blaming 2020, one said, "This year just keeps getting worse. RIP Jeremy Bulloch, the original Boba Fett #jeremybulloch." While calling him a "legend" another said, "Jeremy Bulloch! I may not of been a Star Wars fan, but I always loved you and loved your character! You bought Boba Fett too life and it was awesome! RIP Legend! #RestInPower #RestInPeace."