Sad new reaches the site as our friend Jeremy Bulloch, the man who originally inhabited the armour of the fearsome Boba Fett, has passed away aged 75.
Born in Leicestershire in 1945, Jeremy began a stellar career in 1958 in TV commercials before the leap to film and TV. He starred in the classic Summer Holiday alongside Cliff Richard, played Hamlet, appeared in Doctor Who, Robin of Sherwood, Bond movies, Starhyke and of course was the man behind Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Jeremy’s Facebook page posted this update:
Jeremy died peacefully on 17th December 2020 following health complications, including several years living with Parkinson’s disease. He spent his final weeks in the wonderful care of staff at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, close to the house where he and his wife Maureen had lived together for more than fifty years. Maureen and two of his sons, Jamie and Robbie, were with him during his final days. Jeremy had a long and happy life as an actor and was best known for his roles in the films Summer Holiday, Star Wars and James Bond; TV series the Newcomers, Doctor Who, Agony and Robin of Sherwood, and several West End theatre productions. Away from the screen Jeremy was a talented footballer and cricketer. He also supported a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital who saved his granddaughter’s life. He was devoted to his wife, three sons and ten grandchildren, who all love him dearly and will miss him terribly.
Jeremy stepped away from conventions in 2018, posting this goodbye message on his official site:
Dear Friends
It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to stop attending conventions and hang up the Fett helmet. It has not been an easy decision to make. In 1979 I was called onto the set of Empire Strikes Back to play Boba Fett, and since that day it has changed the entire direction of my life in such a wonderful way. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to inspire so many generations of Star Wars fans. I have had over 20 years of travelling with my wife Maureen to some amazing countries and have met so many wonderful fans. Thank you all so much and we will miss you all.
‘May the Force be with you always’
– Jeremy
Most importantly, to many of us here on the site and beyond in fandom he was a friend, a funny, witty engaging man who loved to laugh and tell a story, and to Maureen, his family, colleagues and many friends around the world we offer our deepest sympathies.