Jeremy Bulloch

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Jeremy Bulloch
Bulloch at the 2016 East Coast Comicon
Born
Jeremy Andrew Bulloch

(1945-02-16)16 February 1945
Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England
Died17 December 2020(2020-12-17) (aged 75)
Tooting, London, England
OccupationActor
Years active1958–2018
Spouse
Maureen Walker
​
(m. 1970)​
Children3, including Jamie

Jeremy Andrew Bulloch (16 February 1945 – 17 December 2020) was an English actor. In a career that spanned six decades, he gained recognition for originating the physical portrayal of Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise, appearing as the character in the films The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Bulloch returned to the franchise for a cameo as Captain Colton in 2005's Revenge of the Sith.

Early life[edit]

Bulloch was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, to Aziz "Diana" (née Meade) and McGregor Bulloch, an aeronautical engineer. He was the middle of three siblings, with three older half-brothers from his mother's earlier marriage.[1] He attended St Leonard's School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, and Dorset House, Littlehampton, West Sussex, before training at the Corona Academy theatre school, London.[1][2][3] From the age of five, he enjoyed acting and singing after a school show. He began acting at the age of ten and "appeared in [several] Disney films, British sitcoms and plays".[4]

Career[edit]

Early work[edit]

At the age of twelve,[1] Bulloch's first professional appearance was in a breakfast cereal commercial. After several uncredited screen appearances, Bulloch's first regular role was in the 1960 TV series Counter-Attack! and (the same year) The Chequered Flag. He went on to have a recurring role in Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School (1961) and a regular role in The Newcomers (1965–1967).[1][5] At the age of seventeen, he portrayed Hamlet on stage.[6]

In 1962, he appeared with Cliff Richard in the musical film Summer Holiday.[1] He had a part in The Devil's Agent,[7] which also starred Christopher Lee who later portrayed Count Dooku in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. He also appeared in two Doctor Who stories, The Space Museum (1965) and The Time Warrior (1973).[5] Coincidentally, David Prowse and John Hollis, who both would later appear alongside Bulloch in The Empire Strikes Back, also appeared in a Jon Pertwee-era Doctor Who serial.[8] In 1973, he appeared in the Malcolm McDowell comedy/musical O Lucky Man!. From 1979 to 1981, he was a regular in the ITV sitcom Agony, in which he played Rob Illingworth,[citation needed] one half of a gay couple.[1] His later television roles included a recurring role as Edward of Wickham in Robin of Sherwood (1984–86).[1] He also had minor roles in three James Bond films, twice playing Smithers, an assistant to Q.[1][9]

Star Wars[edit]

In a career spanning over half a century, Bulloch is best known for his role in Boba Fett's costume in the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, despite the character's "minimal screen time."[10] Toby Hadoke writes that "his precise body language and smouldering presence were ... integral to the character's appeal."[1] The voice was provided by Jason Wingreen originally and in the updated versions by Temuera Morrison, to strengthen the connection with the Prequel Trilogy.[a] Bulloch's half-brother, Robert Watts, who was working as an associate producer for Empire, was tasked with finding someone who "would fit in the costume of Boba Fett."[11] So Watts called Bulloch (who at the time was working on Agony) and encouraged him[12] to see Tiny Nicholls, the wardrobe supervisor and Bulloch had a costume fitting as Boba Fett, which "took 20 minutes to put on."[13]

Additionally, he played a minor role as an Imperial officer (later identified as Lieutenant Sheckil), who grabs Leia when she warns Luke Skywalker of Vader's trap in The Empire Strikes Back. Bulloch was initially to do the scene as Fett when he fires at Skywalker on Cloud City, but with no one available to play the part, Bulloch went to the wardrobe and got changed into the "Imperial Officer's outfit".[14] This was his only non-masked appearance in the original Star Wars films. John Morton, who portrayed the rebel pilot Dak Ralter (during the Battle of Hoth), covered Bulloch as a body double for Fett when the character confronts Vader in the Bespin hallway during Han Solo's torture.[15]

Bulloch returned as Boba Fett for the fan film mockumentary: Return of the Ewok chasing Wicket on the Death Star. He filmed his scenes for Jedi for four weeks. Bulloch was unaware of Fett's apparent demise prior to filming and was disappointed, since he would have liked to do more with his character. Bulloch said that portraying Fett was the most uncomfortable role he played and that putting on the jetpack "was very heavy."[16] Fett's death in Return of the Jedi would later be retconned in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, in which Bulloch had no involvement.[b]

While portraying Fett, Bulloch drew some inspiration from Clint Eastwood's the Man with No Name.[17] Both Fett and Eastwood's character in A Fistful of Dollars wear similar capes, cradle their gun, ready to shoot and move in slow motion.[18]

In 2004, Bulloch published a limited edition memoir, Flying Solo, which is a humorous account of his personal and professional life, interspersed with tales from the convention circuit.[19] In 2005, for the first time in 22 years, he once again made an appearance in a Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith. This time he portrayed Captain Jeremoch (a portmanteau of Bulloch's name) Colton piloting Kenobi, Bail Organa and Yoda to Coruscant in an Alderaan Cruiser (later identified as the Sundered Heart and similar to the first vessel to appear in Star Wars).[20] Afterwards, Bulloch played a small cameo role in Star Wars fan films Order of the Sith: Vengeance and its sequel Downfall – Order of the Sith, alongside David Prowse and Michael Sheard. These fan films were made in England in support of Save the Children.

In an interview in 2013, he expressed an interest in being involved in a future Star Wars film in some way, saying, "The lovely thing is ... if I'm wearing a helmet, no one knows how old I am." He subsequently denied involvement in future projects.[21] Although Boba Fett did not appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Bulloch hinted that a film focusing on the origins of Boba Fett would be made.[22][c] The Book of Boba Fett, a Disney+ television series taking place after the events of Return of the Jedi, premiered in 2021.

He was featured in the 2015 documentary Elstree 1976; a behind-the-scenes film, which focuses on the lives of some actors and extras who appeared in the Star Wars original trilogy. The documentary had a premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.[23]

He was also featured in the 2021 Disney+ documentary special, Under The Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett which celebrates the origins and legacy of the character.

Other work[edit]

In 2004, Bulloch had a cameo in Mark Hamill's Comic Book: The Movie which also featured some Star Wars alumni such as David Prowse and Peter Mayhew. In 2005, he played the role of "Chairman Skellon" in a stage production of The Trial of Davros.[24] In 2006, Bulloch provided the voice of Sir Logan the Prowler in the Night Traveler multimedia adventure series produced by Lunar Moth Entertainment.[25]

In 2008, Richard LeParmentier, known for his portrayal of Admiral Motti in Star Wars, worked on Motti Now, a spoof of Apocalypse Now, featuring Bulloch and other Star Wars actors, including Kenneth Colley, Garrick Hagon and Jerome Blake.[26]

Personal life and death[edit]

Bulloch was married to Maureen Walker; the couple had two sons and lived in London.[1] He had another son from a previous marriage. His half-brother was Robert Watts, who was a producer[1] on The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the Indiana Jones films. Watts also had a cameo as Lieutenant Watts in Return of the Jedi.[27] His son Robbie portrayed Matthew of Wickham in four episodes of Robin of Sherwood.[28] The character is the son of Edward of Wickham portrayed by Bulloch. Another son is the translator Jamie Bulloch.[1] His sister Sally Bulloch was a child actress before becoming an executive manager of the Athenaeum Hotel.[29]

He once considered being a sportsman but ultimately chose to go into acting. Long before portraying Fett, Bulloch trained with David Prowse at his gym in South London. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cricket and travelling. Bulloch said that he had been a fan of Star Trek ever since the original series.[30]

Following the release of the Star Wars Special Edition trilogy, prequel trilogy and new films, he was frequently invited to science fiction conventions throughout the world,[1][31] and was inducted as an honorary member of the 501st Legion costuming organisation in May 2002.[32] Later, in November 2009, he actually joined the 501st as a costume-wearing member making appearances with the group as Boba Fett.[33] Beginning in 2000, he was a frequent guest at the Star Wars Weekends (held annually at Disney's Hollywood Studios).[34] In August 2018, Bulloch announced his retirement from attending conventions.[1][31][35]

Bulloch died of complications from Parkinson's disease (which he had lived with for several years) at St. George's Hospital in Tooting, London, on 17 December 2020, at the age of 75.[35]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1958 A Night to Remember Boy jumping into water Uncredited [7]
1959 Carry On Teacher Schoolboy Uncredited [36]
The Cat Gang Bill [37]
1960 A French Mistress Baines [7]
Caught in the Net Bob Ketley [37]
1961 Spare the Rod Angell [37]
1962 The Devil's Agent Johnny Droste [7]
Play It Cool Joey [7]
1963 Summer Holiday Edwin [37]
1965 The Dawn Killer Colin Hawkes [37]
1966 The Idol Lewis [7]
1969 Las Leandras Robert Wilson [38]
1970 Hoffman Tom Mitchell [37]
The Virgin and the Gypsy Leo [7]
1971 Mary, Queen of Scots Andrew [7]
1973 O Lucky Man! Young Man [39]
1974 Can You Keep It Up for a Week? Gil [37]
Only a Scream Away Tom Manners [37]
1976 Escape from the Dark Ginger [7]
1977 The Spy Who Loved Me HMS Ranger Crewman [40]
The Littlest Horse Thieves Ginger [37]
Night Ferry Policeman (PC Martin) [41]
1978 King Richard the Second Henry Percy [37]
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett / Sheckil [42]
1981 For Your Eyes Only Smithers Uncredited [7]
1982 Return of the Ewok Boba Fett Video short [7]
The World Cup: A Captain's Tale Ben Tillet Whittingham [37]
1983 Octopussy Smithers [43]
Return of the Jedi Boba Fett [42]
1993 Swing Kids Small club owner [7]
1996 Giving Tongue Auctioneer [37]
Princess in Love [37]
2003 Advanced Warriors Max Interactive movie [44]
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Jeremy Bulloch Video [45]
2004 Number One Longing, Number Two Regret Fett
2005 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Captain Colton Cameo [39]
2006 Order of the Sith: Downfall Commander Marucs Short [46]
Night Traveler Sir Logan the Prowler Voice [47]
2009 Turpin Sir Guy Short [48]
2015 Elstree 1976 Himself Documentary [49]

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1960 Counter-Attack! Terry Benson 7 episodes [7]
The Chequered Flag Mike Brown 6 episodes [7]
1961 The Arthur Askey Show Unknown Episode: Pilbeam the Journalist
Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School Bob Cherry 9 episodes, recurring role [50]
1965 Doctor Who: The Space Museum Tor 3 episodes [9]
1965–1968 The Newcomers Phillip Cooper 46 episodes [7]
1972 Crown Court Dr Warner 3 episodes [51]
Pathfinders Ronnie Thompson 2 episodes [52]
1973 Doctor Who: The Time Warrior Hal 4 episodes [7]
1974 Man About the House Derek Sutton 1 episode: S3 E7 "Three of a Kind" [1]
1978 The Professionals Denver 1 episode; S1 E6 Where the Jungle Ends [53]
George and Mildred Bill Allbright 1 episode [54]
1979–1981 Agony Rob Illingworth 18 episodes [55]
1981 Only When I Laugh Gary 1 episode; S3 E1 A Day in the Life Of
1983–1985 Robin of Sherwood Edward of Wickham 8 episodes [55]
1985 Chocky's Children Landis 3 episodes [7]
1985 Jenny's War Schroeder TV movie [7]
1987 Boon Inspector Gower Episode; Fiddler Under the Roof [56]
1989 After Henry George Episode; Memory Games [7]
1989–1993 Casualty Rodney Mulligan / Peter Cunningham 2 episodes [53]
1992–1996 The Bill Dr Webster / Commander Bill Huxley 3 episodes [56]
1994 Faith David Reckitt TV mini-series, 4 episodes [7]
1995 Dangerfield Superintendent Jacklin Episode: Death in Custody
1999 Aristocrats Older George Napier TV mini-series, 2 episodes [7]
2002 Spooks Roger Welks Also known as MI-5, Series 1, Episode 3 [57]
2006–2008 Doctors Julian Marker / Victor Hendon 2 episodes [1]
2008 Bonekickers Masked man Episode: Follow the Gleam [54]
2009 Law & Order: UK Dickie Episode: Honour Bound [1]
Starhyke Doctor Yul Striker 6 episodes [37]
2012 Russell Howard's Good News Himself 1 Episode – Mystery Guest Segment
2021 Under the Helmet: The Legacy of Boba Fett Himself / Boba Fett Disney Plus retrospective documentary

References[edit]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Temuera Morrison portrayed Boba Fett's father, Jango in Attack of the Clones. Morrison and Bulloch both appeared in Revenge of the Sith.
  2. ^ The Season 2 finale included a dedication to Bulloch before the post-credits scene that revealed The Book of Boba Fett was coming in December 2021.
  3. ^ By October 2018 the film was no longer in production.

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Toby Hadoke (20 December 2020). "Jeremy Bulloch obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  2. ^ McFarlane, 2005, p. 99
  3. ^ "Sally Bulloch". The Telegraph. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2016. After attending the Corona stage school, where her brother Jeremy was also a pupil
  4. ^ Rinzler, J. W. (2010). The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. London. p. 132. ISBN 9780345543363.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ a b James Lomond (30 May 2014). "14 Doctor Who Actors...In Star Wars!". kasterborous.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  6. ^ Brian Truitt (2 May 2013). "Jeremy Bulloch looks back at French farces and Boba Fett". usatoday.com. USA TODAY. Retrieved 27 November 2022. I played Hamlet when I was 17
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Jeremy Bulloch". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  8. ^ Cameron K McEwan (26 September 2015). "Peter Serafinowicz joins Doctor Who – more Star Wars actors you didn't know were in Doctor Who". Metro. UK: Metro Online. Retrieved 28 February 2016. Prowse popped up in a Jon Pertwee adventure, The Time Monster, whilst Bulloch also starred in Pertwee story, The Time Warrior; William Martin (15 December 2015). "20 actors from 'Star Wars' who've appeared in 'Doctor Who'". cult box.co.uk. CultBox. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  9. ^ a b James Lomond (30 May 2014). "14 Doctor Who Actors ... in Star Wars!". kasterborous.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  10. ^ Rich Goldstein (6 May 2014). "The Cult of Boba Fett: The 'Star Wars' Bounty Hunter's Spin-Off". The Daily Beast. thedailybeast.com. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  11. ^ Sander De Lange (16 December 2014). "Star Wars, A Family Affair". starwars.com. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  12. ^ Ryder Windham; Daniel Wallace (2011). Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Pub. p. 87. ISBN 9781465403896.
  13. ^ J. W. Rinzler (2010). The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. London: Aurum. p. 132. ISBN 9780345543363.
  14. ^ Mike Ryan (8 October 2010). "Boba Fett on The Empire Strikes Back, That Crazy Suit, and the Star Wars Legacy". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  15. ^ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p. 87
  16. ^ "Boba Unfettered". The 11th Hour. November 1999. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  17. ^ John "Dak" Morton (1 August 2013). "Becoming Boba: Coming to Terms with an Alter Ego". starwars.com. Retrieved 10 March 2016. The reference to Jeremy Bulloch having drawn from Clint Eastwood is absolutely correct.
  18. ^ Jon Blistein (10 July 2014). "7 Things We Learned From Boba Fett Actor's Reddit AMA". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  19. ^ Jeremy Bulloch (1 March 2004). Flying Solo: Tales of a Bounty Hunter. Unknown UK Publisher. ISBN 9780954696115.
  20. ^ Cameron K McEwan (11 April 2015). "Doctor Who actors who felt the force in Star Wars". Metro. UK: Metro News. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  21. ^ Rich Goldstein (6 May 2014). "The Cult of Boba Fett: The "Star Wars" Bounty Hunter's Spin-Off". The Daily Beast. thedailybeast.com. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  22. ^ Sarah Deen (18 April 2014). "Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch teases Boba Fett involvement in new Star Wars". Metro. UK. Retrieved 4 March 2016.; Tom Eames (10 July 2014). "Boba Fett movie would be terrific, says original actor Jeremy Bulloch". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  23. ^ "Star Wars behind-the-scenes film Elstree 1976 has world premiere". BBC News. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2016.; Charles Gant (10 October 2015). "Elstree 1976: Review". Screen Daily. screendaily.com. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  24. ^ Owen Quinn (5 August 2013). "TW talks to Jeremy Bulloch, the man behind Boba Fett". thetimewarriors.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  25. ^ "Night Traveler". nighttraveler.com. Retrieved 18 September 2015.; "Lunar Month Entertainment". lunarmoth.com. Retrieved 18 September 2015. Featured members of the Night Traveler cast include...Jeremy Bulloch
  26. ^ Mark Newbold (17 April 2013). "Richard LeParmentier: Saluting The Admiral". starwars.com. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  27. ^ Stuart Cummins (25 May 2011). "Iinterview: Robert Watts, Producer of STAR WARS & INDIANA JONES". whatculture.com. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  28. ^ "Robbie Bulloch". bfi.org.uk. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  29. ^ "Sally Bulloch". The Telegraph. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  30. ^ Forbeck, Star Wars vs Star Trek, p. 9
  31. ^ a b "Jeremy Bulloch.com". jeremybulloch.com. Archived from the original on 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  32. ^ "Honorary Members". 501st Legion – Vader's Fist. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  33. ^ Regina Layug Rosero (5 August 2015). "Stormtroopers with heart? Meet the 501st Legion". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 18 September 2015. Even some of the actors from the Star Wars movies have joined the 501st Legion, like...Jeremy Bulloch who played the iconic Boba Fett
  34. ^ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p.215; "Star Wars Weekends 2001". starwarsweekends.net. Retrieved 28 February 2016.; Shawn Slater (3 April 2015). "Frank Oz and Ian McDiarmid Among the Stars Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney's Hollywood Studios". starwars.com. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  35. ^ a b "Jeremy Bulloch, Boba Fett actor in original 'Star Wars' trilogy, dies at 75". NBC News. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  36. ^ "Star Wars' original Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch dies". sports.yahoo.com. 17 December 2020.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Jeremy Bulloch – Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  38. ^ "Las Leandras". Filmaffinity. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  39. ^ a b Evry, Max. "Q&A: Jeremy Bulloch, the Man/Legend Behind Boba Fett". MTV News. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  40. ^ "The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)". AllMovie. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  41. ^ ""Once Upon a Classic" Night Ferry (TV Episode 1977) – IMDb". IMDb.
  42. ^ a b "Jeremy Bulloch, Boba Fett in first 'Star Wars' trilogy, dies". AP NEWS. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  43. ^ David Parkinson. "Octopussy". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  44. ^ Carrigan, John (2008). The other side of Harry. Chipmunkapublishing ltd. p. 260. ISBN 978-1847476807.
  45. ^ "Jeremy Bulloch, the Original Boba Fett, Has Passed Away". ComingSoon.net. 17 December 2020.
  46. ^ "Order of the Sith: Downfall (S) (2006)". FilmAffinity. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  47. ^ Stryker, Jonathan (29 January 2014). "New Website for R.E. Asbury's NIGHT TRAVELER Now Online". Horror News. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  48. ^ Robert Michael Bobb Cotter (2012). Caroline Munro, First Lady of Fantasy: A Complete Annotated Record of Film. McFarland. ISBN 9780786468829. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  49. ^ "Star Wars behind-the-scenes film Elstree 1976 has world premiere". BBC News. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  50. ^ Curto, Justin (17 December 2020). "Star Wars' Original Boba Fett, Jeremy Bulloch, Is Dead at 75". Vulture. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  51. ^ Dalton, Andrew. "Jeremy Bulloch, Boba Fett in first Star Wars trilogy, dies at 75". Washington Post. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  52. ^ "Pathfinders (TV Series)". radiotimes.com. Radio Times. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  53. ^ a b Obituaries, Telegraph (18 December 2020). "Jeremy Bulloch, British actor who played popular character Boba Fett in Star Wars films – obituary". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  54. ^ a b "Jeremy Bulloch List of Movies and TV Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  55. ^ a b McNary, Dave (17 December 2020). "Jeremy Bulloch, Original Boba Fett Actor in 'Star Wars' Films, Dies at 75". Variety. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  56. ^ a b Green, Earl (18 December 2020). "Man(dalorian) Down: R.I.P. Jeremy Bulloch". Pop Culture Retrorama. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  57. ^ "Spooks, Series 1, Episode 3". BBC. Retrieved 9 April 2016.

Bibliography[edit]

  • McFarlane, Brian. (2005). The Encyclopaedia of British Film. Methuen. 2nd edition
  • Rinser, J. W. (2010). The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
  • Windham, Ryder and Wallace, Daniel. (2011). Star Wars Year by Year Chronicle. Darling Kindersley

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeremy Bulloch.
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