British actor Michael Culver, who appeared in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as well as several James Bond movies, has died at the age of 85. His agency Alliance Agents confirmed his passing, and paid tribute to his career that spanned more than 50 years, with memorable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army, and Star Wars. Culver played Captain Needa in the second Star Wars movie, the scene where he meets his demise by being Force-choked by Darth Vader becoming a fan favorite. In addition to his acting career, Culver was also known as an anti-war activist.
Thomas Bowington, Culver’s agent, called his part in Star Wars one of the smallest roles he ever played, but one that became one of the biggest in his life. He praised Culver as a classic English character actor who could play anything, and one who always delivered excellence. Culver’s extensive acting credits included Thunderball, The Avengers, Goodbye Mr. Chips, From Russia With Love, The Adventures of Black Beauty, Squadron, Cadfel, and Wallander.
Born in Hampstead, north London, he was the son of West End actor Roland Culver and casting director Daphne Rye. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Alliance Agents noted that Culver gave up acting in the early 2000s to concentrate his efforts on his political activism. While his passing has saddened many, Alliance Agents said it was an honor to have represented him and taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe.
Culver belonged to the backbone of the nation, always professional, committed, and prepared. His performances on the stage and screen never disappointed his audiences. With his passing, many remember his unforgettable performance in Star Wars, a role that while small, will forever be part of science-fiction history
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