Kenneth Colley, best known for his role as Admiral Piett in the Star Wars franchise, has reportedly passed away at the age of 87. News of his death emerged earlier today, revealing the cause of his death as COVID-19, which subsequently developed into pneumonia. The news has been confirmed by those in the know since then, including his agent, Julian Owen.
Kenneth Colley's net worth was built primarily through his consistent work in film, television, and theatre across more than six decades. According to financial tracking site People Ai, his estimated net worth at the time of his passing was $8.87 million.
Agent Julian Owens' statement on Kenneth Colley's death
Kenneth Colley's portrayal of Admiral Pieff, an Imperial officer who was not cowed by Darth Vader's domineering presence, made him a favorite among fans of the franchise. Apart from Star Wars, Colley has worked in films such as Monty Python's Life of Brian, Lisztomania, Jabberwocky, among others. Besides being a staple at the box office, Kenneth Colley was also known for his theatre and television work.
Fans worldwide mourned when news broke of Kenneth Colley’s death, and tributes have flowed in from all corners of the world. Colley's agent, Julian Owens, also shared a touching tribute to the artist in the statement released to Entertainment Weekly. In the statement, he was quoted as saying:
"He (Colley) had been admitted after a fall with an injured arm, however he quickly contracted Covid which developed into pneumonia. He passed away peacefully with friends at his bedside"
He went on:
"Ken Colley was one of our finest character actors with a career spanning 60 years. Ken continually worked on stage, film, and television playing a vast array of characters, from Jesus in Monty Python's Life of Brian to evil and eccentric characters in Ken Russell films, and the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure for the BBC. Ken loved attending conventions and meeting the fans. He travelled all over the World yet could never quite grasp why everyone wanted his autograph. He was a very humble man with an incredibly dry wit."
The statement further read as follows:
"Ken loved his garden, art, cars and the occasional Porn Star Martini. His wife Mary died several years ago, since then he has been looked after by his friend Lynn. Ken lived in Hythe in Kent. It has been a pleasure representing Ken over the years. He wasn't just a client, but also a friend."
Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Colley managed to create characters that continue to resonate with audiences. The responses from the rest of the entertainment community to the news of his death can also indicate the highly respected position he enjoyed among his colleagues and peers.