A Legacy of Stage and Screen
Michael Pennington, the British actor whose career spanned from the iconic stages of Stratford-Upon-Avon to the far reaches of a galaxy far, far away, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his portrayal of Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Pennington’s death was reported on Sunday (10 May), although no official cause of death was disclosed.
Born in Cambridge in 1942, Pennington discovered his passion for acting through the National Youth Theatre. He pursued his studies at Cambridge University, where he appeared in 30 undergraduate plays and made his debut as Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 
Throughout his career, Pennington collaborated frequently with renowned actress Judi Dench. Despite never attending drama school, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) after graduating. During this time, he married fellow actor Katharine Barker, with whom he had one son. Their marriage ended in 1967.
Pennington spent eight years with the RSC, during which he played Fortinbras in a 1965 production of Hamlet. However, his role at the time was relatively minor, prompting him to move to London and work in theatre and television. His return to the RSC in 1974 marked a new chapter in his career, as he took on the role of Angelo in Measure for Measure. This period signified a shift in his relationship with the company, as he became a leading actor and appeared in several productions, most notably a 1980 version of Hamlet where he played the titular Danish prince.
In pursuit of the role of Hamlet, Pennington famously turned down a significant opportunity: the lead opposite Meryl Streep in the film adaptation of The French Lieutenant’s Woman. The film, written by Harold Pinter and directed by Karel Reisz, received five Oscar nominations. Pennington, however, expressed no regrets about his decision. “I realised I couldn’t let go. It is one of the prizes,” he stated at the time. Decades later, he would star opposite Streep in the 2011 biopic The Iron Lady, where he played Michael Foot.
Between his time with the RSC, Pennington performed at the National Theatre and in the West End, earning an Olivier Award nomination. In 1986, he co-founded the English Shakespeare Company with director Michael Bogdanov, serving as joint artistic director and performing with the company, which earned him another Olivier nomination.
In his later years, Pennington continued to perform in Shakespearean roles and appeared in a number of one-man shows. His most notable film role came in 1983 when he played Death Star commander Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi, the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy. 
While his theatre career remained his priority, Pennington embraced his association with Star Wars. In a 2003 interview, he remarked, “Let’s not make too much of it, but I’ve done 20 years of plays since, and people still write for autographs, saying, ‘If you ever do any more acting, please let us know.’”
Pennington’s partner, Prue Skene, passed away last year. 
His contributions to both stage and screen have left a lasting impact on the world of theatre and film. Through his dedication and talent, Pennington inspired generations of actors and audiences alike.
