Star Wars actor Kenneth Colley, best known for his iconic role as Admiral Piett in the original trilogy, has left the majority of his substantial £720,000 estate to his sister, close personal friends, and a local cat sanctuary. Colley, who resided in Hythe, Kent, passed away peacefully at his home last June at the age of 87, after contracting Covid-19 and developing pneumonia.
Details of the Estate and Bequests
Newly released legal documents reveal that Colley had a total estate valued at £734,408 at the time of his death, which was later reduced to a net figure of £726,040. His will, a testament to his generous spirit, outlines specific bequests to family, friends, and charitable causes close to his heart.
Beneficiaries of the Will
Colley left his property in Hythe to his sister, Michelle, and a sum of £10,000 to Katherine Slater of London. Charitable donations formed a significant part of his legacy, with £20,000 gifted to the Edith Cavell Fund for Nurses, £5,000 to Demelza House Children's Hospice in Sittingbourne, and £2,000 to the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary in Hythe. The remainder of his estate was bequeathed to his friend and executor, Lynn Margaret Shaw, also of Hythe.
A Storied Career in Film and Television
Kenneth Colley enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, earning acclaim for his versatile performances across stage, film, and television. While he achieved global fame as Admiral Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, his roles were diverse and memorable.
Iconic Roles and Late Career Appearances
Colley famously portrayed Jesus in Monty Python's Life of Brian, starring alongside comedy legends John Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Michael Palin. He also appeared in numerous Ken Russell films, played the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure for the BBC, and took on the role of Horatio Viscount Nelson in the TV series I Remember Nelson. In his later years, he made appearances on shows such as Holby City, Peaky Blinders, and a Doctor Who special.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in Manchester, Colley was married to Mary Dunne from 1962 until her passing in 2018. According to his agent, Julian Owen, Colley was a passionate gardener, an avid art collector, and had a love for fast cars. Interestingly, actor and director Terry Gilliam noted that Colley had a stammer in real life, which he overcame when performing; this trait was even incorporated into his role as the Accordian Man in the BBC drama Pennies from Heaven.
The Enduring Appeal of Admiral Piett
Colley's portrayal of Admiral Piett left a lasting impression on Star Wars fans. He once revealed that the character was not originally planned for Return of the Jedi, but was added by George Lucas due to an influx of fan mail. This role led to invitations to conventions and fan events worldwide, cementing his place in cinematic history.
Kenneth Colley's will reflects a life well-lived, marked by professional success and personal generosity, ensuring his legacy benefits both those he loved and causes he supported.
