Jeremy Bulloch: best film moments of Star Wars Boba Fett actor as he dies aged 75 - from Summer Holiday to Octopussy

Jeremy Bulloch also starred in the James Bond and Doctor Who franchises

Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch has passed away aged 75 (Getty Images)

Jeremy Bulloch, best known for his appearance as Boba Fett in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 75.

The actor, who also appeared in James Bond film Octopussy and featured in a number of Doctor Who episodes in the 1970s, died on Thursday aged 75.

His death followed “health complications following his many years living with Parkinson’s disease”, according to a statement on his website.

Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, labelled Bulloch as “the quintessential Englishman”.

He added: “A fine actor, delightful company & so kind to everyone lucky enough to meet or work with him.

“I will deeply miss him & am so grateful to have known him.”

Jeremy Bulloch on playing Boba Fett

Jeremy Bulloch was enjoying his retirement when he spoke to JPIMedia in 2017.

The modest, veteran actor described his role as Boba Fett as “five lines and a scream” (the bounty hunter was only on screen for six minutes and 32 seconds) but reflected fondly on his role as one of the sci-fi franchise’s most iconic character.

Bulloch revealed that he was initially uninterested in the role, due to the need to wear an outfit and the scarcity of lines. Bulloch recalled a conversation with his brother-in-law during which he said “I’m under a mask! They might not even hear what I’m saying.”

But Bulloch eventually relented, joining some of the now legendary cast at Elstree studios in Hertfordshire.

Bulloch recalled taking inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s Spaghetti Western performances: “Instead of walking about and waving my gun I just stood still. It’s more dangerous. People are thinking: ‘what is he going to do? He reminds me of Eastwood in a Fistful of Dollars. I thought ‘the less I do, the stronger it will be”.

Star Wars loses another star

Bulloch is the second Star Wars actor to die in the past month, with Darth Vader performer Dave Prowse passing away on November 29.

Speaking in 2017 Bulloch recalled a comical interaction between the pair on set.

“When we were going up to the carbon freezing chamber set, Darth Vader was walking up the steps and I trod on his cloak and he lurched back and fell down,” he said. “I said ‘I’m dreadfully sorry’ and tried to lift him up. But he was much bigger than me.”

Stars and fans of the franchise paid tribute to Bulloch following his death.

Billy Dee Williams, who starred as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars films, tweeted: “Today we lost the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. RIP Jeremy Bulloch.”

Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones, paid tribute to Bulloch on Instagram.

He wrote: “RIP legend I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me!!

“I’ll love you forever!! Conventions won’t be the same without you may the force be with you always.”

The official Twitter account for the Star Wars franchise also paid tribute to Bulloch.

“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,” it said.

“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.”

What were Jeremy Bulloch’s best film moments?

Jeremy Bulloch is also fondly remembered for his role in 1963 musical Summer Holiday in which he starred alongside Cliff Richard, aged just 17.

In James Bond flick Octopussy the actor played Smithers, a laboratory assistant at the Q Branch division.

Bulloch also appeared in TV series Newcomers, Doctor Who, Agony and Robin of Sherwood, as well as several West End theatre productions.