Michael Culver dead: Star Wars star dies aged 85 after health battle as tributes pour in for ‘unforgettable’ talent
A STAR Wars actor known for one of the films' "most memorable death scenes" has died aged 85.
Michael Culver, a star best known for playing Captain Lorth Needa in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, died after a long illness, his agent revealed today.
Culver was best known for his time in Star Wars but also played Major McBryde in A Passage to India.
He was said to have died after a long health battle.
The actor's agents today confirmed his death.
They said: "We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver.
"A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.
"Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000's to concentrate his efforts into his political activism.
"It's been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe.
"A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him.
"We worked with Michael just 3 weeks ago at his last home signing with our friends at Elite Signatures.
"Michael died on Tuesday 27th February at the age of 85. We miss him."
The Star Wars Underworld posted to X, formerly Twitter: "We are saddened to report that actor Michael Culver has passed away at the age of 85.
"Culver was best know to Star Wars fans for portraying Captain Lorth Needa in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’.
"He also had a variety of roles across many stage, screen and radio productions."
The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast also paid tribute to Culver.
It wrote: "Michael had been ill for some time, but this did not stop this strong, principled man from continuing to live and work and speak out for the causes he had so strongly fought for throughout his life.
"Michael was not just an extraordinary actor, but was an extraordinary man."
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