Star Wars Actor Richard LeParmentier Dies

Star Wars actor Richard LeParmentier has passed away. He was 66.

LeParmentier is best known for his role in 1977's Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, in which he played Darth Vader's cohort Admiral Conan Antonio Motti. Darth, using the "force," memorably strangled Motti, who was the Death Star commander, for disloyalty. Star Wars fans have long been fond of his short but memorable role.

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While he auditioned for the part of Han Solo, which went to Harrison Ford, LeParmentier was brought in to read for Admiral Motti, and got the part.

The cause of LeParmentier's death is still unknown. His publicist, Derek Maki, said the death was "unexpected," the Associated Press reports.

LeParmentier also co-starred in several high-profile 1970s and '80s films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Rollerball, and Octopussy. He later worked as a screenwriter for British TV. He was married to Falcon Crest actress Sarah Douglas, 60, from 1981-1984, with whom he co-starred in 1980's Superman II.