A STAR Wars actor known for one of the films’ “most memorable” scenes has died aged 85.
Michael Culver, who played Captain Lorth Needa in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, died after a long illness, his agents revealed today.
In one of the most iconic moments in the film, Culver is killed by villain Darth Vader by being telekinetically strangled to death as punishment for the Millennium Falcon escaping his pursuit.
His agents today said in a statement: “We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver.
“A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.
“Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000’s to concentrate his efforts into his political activism.
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“It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe.
“Michael died on Tuesday 27th February at the age of 85. We miss him.”
While Culver was best known for his time in Star Wars but also played Major McBryde in A Passage to India, and Ernest Clifford in Breakaway.
He also starred in Armchair Thriller, Secret Army and Sherlock HYomes.
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The London-born actor’s career spanned more than 50 years before he gave it up in the early 2000s.
Fans were quick to pay tribute to Culver online, too.
The Star Wars Underworld posted to X, formerly Twitter: “We are saddened to report that actor Michael Culver has passed away at the age of 85.
“Culver was best know to Star Wars fans for portraying Captain Lorth Needa in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’.
“He also had a variety of roles across many stage, screen and radio productions.”
The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast also paid tribute to Culver.
It wrote: “Michael had been ill for some time, but this did not stop this strong, principled man from continuing to live and work and speak out for the causes he had so strongly fought for throughout his life.
“Michael was not just an extraordinary actor, but was an extraordinary man.”
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It added: “Though his light shines a little dimmer than it did, it shall never go out for his work and legacy lives on in shows such as the one we adore, and in the causes he so passionately fought for and the lives he changed and made better.
“We thank Michael for all that he has given us, and our thoughts are with his family and all that knew him at this time.”
