Richard LeParmentier (1946 - 2013)

The Star Wars Underworld is saddened to report the passing of Classic Trilogy actor Richard LeParmentier, who played the celebrated role of the bold Imperial officer Admiral Motti in A New Hope. Mr. LeParmentier frequently traveled to conventions worldwide to meet his fans. I had the privilege of meeting him at San Diego Comic Con last summer, and remember him being so kind to everyone as he signed away and posed for those famous Force choke photo ops. In addition to his involvement with the galaxy far, far away, the actor/director had an extensive career spanning four decades with roles in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Superman II, and several other films and television shows. Needless to say, he will be greatly missed by the Star Wars community. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Richard LeParmentier was 66.

UPDATE: The family has released the following statement:


For immediate release regarding the death of actor Richard LeParmentier. This is OFFICIAL and from the family:

Every time we find someone's lack of faith disturbing, we'll think of him. 

At age 66, Richard Le Parmentier is one with the Force. We're deeply grateful to the many devoted fans who have posted personal remembrances of our dad as a warm, genuine person with an unparalleled joie de vivre and gift for friendship (not to mention a mean petanque player). To his fans and friends, his lines were the ultimate power in the universe. He absolutely loved traveling the world and meeting his friends and fellow Star Wars fan - whose tributes have given us all the best lines in this message. He told us many stories of the hospitality he enjoyed. He usually lived in Bath, England, but was visiting us in Austin, Texas. We feel very lucky to have been able to spend time with him on a regular basis. He was no respecter of convention, except comic conventions. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard was a talented actor and director whose career spanned four decades and dozens of projects. He edited another draft of his latest project two days before death, with its sorcerer's ways, took him from us. He has gone to the Stars, and he will be missed. We love you dad, and thank you to everyone. Love, Rhiannon, Stephanie, and Tyrone Le Parmentier.