Star Wars: Return of the Jedi actor Michael Pennington has died at the age of 82. His death was announced yesterday in an obituary in The Telegraph, with no cause given.
Best known for playing Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi, Pennington was also an accomplished stage actor.
He is listed as an honorary associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and also co-founded the English Shakespeare Company alongside theatre director Michael Bogdanov.
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Pennington first appeared on TV in a supporting role in the BBC miniseries The War of the Roses and went on to star in over 70 screen roles, including opposite Meryl Streep in 2011’s The Iron Lady.
Leading tributes to Pennington, Miriam Margolyes shared her thoughts on his passing, describing him as a “very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear”.
Explaining how she knew Pennington, Margolyes said he was “an old friend, from Cambridge [University] days”, adding: “I am sad beyond measure. Bless your dear memory, old chum.”
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) also shared a tribute to the late actor, writing: “We are incredibly sad to hear that RSC Honorary Associate Artist Michael Pennington passed away on 10 May 2026 at the age of 82.
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“A Shakespearean to his very bones, Michael’s long and distinguished career with the RSC spanned an astonishing fifty years.”
Their heartfelt statement described Pennington as “one of the greatest classical actors of the era” and an “understated master of his craft”.
The tribute concluded: “Our thoughts go out to all those who knew and loved him.”
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Online, fans have shared their tributes to the actor, with one person on X writing: “MICHAEL PENNINGTON: Fine actor, scholar and company founder. A sad loss. Condolences to his son, family and friends at this time.”
“Even after all these years, it’s still amazing to discover deleted scenes from the original trilogy. Michael Pennington did a wonderful job as the Moff of the last Death Star. RIP Sir,” penned another.
Another person wrote: “Sad to hear that Michael Pennington has died. He was a fine actor- I was privileged to engage him to give his Chekhov show many years back for the Holt Festival and remember very clearly the warmth and detail in his evocation. One of the best one person shows I’ve ever seen. RIP.”
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