Reported today (April 16, 2013) – news that a Star Wars actor dies.

Richard LeParmentier played the role of Admiral Motti, the commander of the Death Star who was famously choked by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars movie. Though he appeared in over 50 movies and TV shows, he shall always be best remembered for that role. As yet, the circumstances surrounding his death are not clear, according to TMZ’s report.

Admiral Motti, in the movie, mocked Darth Vader’s “sorcerer’s ways” and his “sad devotion to that ancient Jedi religion.” It’s a brave man that messes with ol’ Vader of course and his cocky commentary came back to haunt him when Darth Vader pretty much chokes the guy using nothing but the powers of his mind. “I find your lack of faith disturbing,” says Darth to the Admiral, in the movie, as viewers watched, finding his lack of hands disturbing in the whole ‘choking’ thing.

Aside from his role in Star Wars though, LeParmentier also played a police lieutenant in Who Framed Roger Rabbit and also worked as a screenwriter for British TV. He was married to the British actress Sarah Douglas, who played the role of Ursa – a baddie – in Superman 11. 

A classic Star Wars scene, featuring LeParmentier