Richard Donat, Voice of Deej in Ewoks, Has Passed Away at 84
Richard Donat, best known for his role as Deej in the 1980s Star Wars spin-off TV show Ewoks, has passed away at the age of 84. His death marks the end of a career that spanned decades and touched multiple facets of entertainment, from television and film to theater and radio.
Donat came from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. He was the nephew of Oscar-winning English actor Robert Donat and the brother of soap star Peter Donat. This legacy of talent and creativity undoubtedly influenced his path in the industry.
One of Donat’s most iconic roles was playing Vince Teagues, a character based on a Stephen King novel, in the Syfy series Haven. Set in Nova Scotia, where Donat had lived since 1989, the show was a significant part of his later career. In addition to his work on Haven, Donat was a regular on CBC radio during the holiday season, where he would read the Robert Louis Stevenson poem Christmas at Sea.
According to the funeral home’s announcement, Donat was surrounded by his longtime love, Maggie Thomas, and their sons Owen and Morgan when he passed away on March 28. He had been battling illness in the last two years of his life and was treated at a hospital on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Nova Scotia in 1941, Donat grew up in an artistic household. His uncle, Robert Donat, was a celebrated English actor who appeared in classic films such as The Count of Monte Cristo and Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. Robert Donat also won an Academy Award for his performance in the 1939 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips, which starred him alongside Greer Garson.
Donat’s elder brother, Peter Donat, was a well-known actor who appeared on the 1980s soap opera Flamingo Road and later in the 1990s series The X-Files. Inspired by his family’s legacy, Richard pursued a career in the performing arts after graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1967.
Stage Work and Notable Roles
Donat quickly made a name for himself on the stage. One of his most notable performances was in Michel Tremblay’s groundbreaking 1973 play Hosanna, where he played a gay biker who becomes roommates with a drag queen. The play became a sensation in Montreal and later opened on Broadway, with Donat reprising his role.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Donat appeared in several Canadian films, including the horror movie Death Weekend starring Brenda Vaccaro and the oil crisis satire Gas, which featured a young Howie Mandel. His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles across different genres.
In 1985, Donat lent his voice to the character Deej in the animated series Ewoks, a short-lived but beloved Star Wars spin-off that aired on ABC for two seasons.
Film and Television Contributions
Donat continued to expand his filmography throughout the years. He appeared in Kathryn Bigelow’s 2000 drama The Weight of Water, which featured Sean Penn and Elizabeth Hurley. He also had a role in the 2009 film Amelia, directed by Mira Nair and starring Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart.
From 2010 to 2015, Donat played a principal role in the supernatural drama Haven, which was inspired by the 2005 Stephen King novel The Colorado Kid. The series, filmed on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, showcased Donat’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters.
Theater Legacy
Beyond television and film, Donat was a prolific theater actor. He performed in plays such as In the Jungle of the Cities by Bertolt Brecht, Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, and Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry, which was later adapted into a film starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy.
Personal Life and Legacy
Alongside his wife, Maggie Thomas, and their sons Owen and Morgan, Donat is survived by his four grandchildren: Charlize, Nadia, Mira, and Taran. His passing leaves a void in the world of entertainment, but his contributions will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Donat’s career was a testament to his passion for the arts and his dedication to his craft. From the stage to the screen, he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
