Imperial Admiral Piett Took On a More Compassionate, Human Role within the Empire
Kenneth Colley, best known for his memorable portrayal of Admiral Piett in the *Star Wars* franchise, passed away this week at the age of 87. Colley's career spanned a wide range of roles, from iconic science fiction to historical drama and comedy, making him a versatile and respected character actor in film and television.
In the Star Wars universe, Colley's Admiral Piett made a significant impact, appearing in both "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." His performance as the Imperial officer, who remained loyal to the Empire despite its evil nature, added layers of complexity to the character, making him more memorable.
Admiral Piett's character was crucial in "The Empire Strikes Back," where he first appeared as a captain. His natural instincts were proven correct when he detected a mysterious ping from a probe droid in the Hoth system, leading the Empire to the Rebels' location. One of Piett's most significant moments in the film was when he delivered the news of the Emperor's attempt to make contact in the asteroid field.
Piett's character was complex, showing both relatability and fear in certain scenes. He showed fear when mentioning the Emperor to Darth Vader, creating a sense of fear in the audience despite not yet seeing the Emperor. Despite his disdain for bounty hunters, setting the tone for their portrayal in the film, Piett displayed the ability to delegate crucial moments, showing why he was still around when many of his colleagues were not.
Admiral Piett met his end when a Rebel A-Wing crashed into his Star Destroyer during the battle of Endor. However, he remained the face of the Empire and stood beside Sith lords, making him one of the most significant supporting Star Wars characters in history.
Beyond Star Wars, Colley's career was diverse and impressive. In Clint Eastwood's "Firefox" (1982), he portrayed a Soviet colonel, protecting the secret Firefox aircraft. He also played SS-Standartenführer Paul Blobel in the World War II miniseries "War and Remembrance" (1988), a fictional senior Nazi role that stood out among his portrayals of historical Nazi figures.
Colley's performance as Jesus in "Monty Python's Life of Brian" (1979) connected him with the Monty Python group, while his comedic role as Michael Palin’s bank robber pal in the "Ripping Yarns" (1976) episode "The Testing of Eric Olthwaite" was praised for its humor and uniqueness.
Throughout his career, Colley portrayed several historical figures, including Charles I, Italy's King Vittorio Emmanuele, Dickens illustrator Robert Seymour, Admiral Horatio Nelson (a starring role in the miniseries "I Remember Nelson" (1982)), and Napoleon Bonaparte. He also played several senior Nazi figures besides Blobel, such as Adolf Hitler, Wilhelm Keitel, and Adolf Eichmann (the latter in "Wallenberg: A Hero's Story" (1985)).
Colley's performance as Eichmann was notably praised by The New York Times as almost too compelling. He also directed the horror film "Greetings" (2007) and contributed narrations to music albums, showcasing his diverse talents beyond acting.
In television, Colley appeared in prominent detective and soap operas such as "The Baron" (1966), "Z Cars" (1962), "Foyle's War" (2002), "Coronation Street" (1960), and "EastEnders" (1985).
Colley's passing marks the end of an era for the Star Wars franchise and the film industry as a whole. His versatility and dedication to his craft will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His performance as Admiral Piett, even in small moments, added humanity to the character and helped make the Star Wars trilogy great.
In remembrance of Kenneth Colley's versatile career, tech enthusiasts at sites like io9 and Gizmodo discussed his impact on the future of entertainment, especially in the movies-and-tv category. His portrayal of Admiral Piett in the Star Wars movies was not only memorable but also instrumental in shaping the narrative, demonstrating that technology and entertainment can intertwine effectively in the realm of science fiction. As Colley's iconic characters live on, his work continues to inspire the future of movies and entertainment.
