Richard LeParmentier, who played Admiral Motti in “Star Wars,” died Tuesday. He was 66.
The Pittsburgh-born character actor appeared in more than 50 films and television shows, including Norman Jewison’s 1975 film “Rollerball,” Warren Beatty’s 1981 drama “Reds,” the 1983 James Bond movie “Octopussy” and Richard Lester’s 1980 superhero sequel “Superman II,” in which he played a reporter.
But it was his turn in George Lucas’ landmark space opera that perhaps was his greatest claim to fame. In one of the many memorable scenes aboard the Death Star, Motti takes a haughty tone with Darth Vader, suggesting he not try to frighten the commanders with his “sorcerer’s ways.” He then launches into a derisive speech criticizing Vader’s inability to conjure up the stolen data tapes with the plans for the space station or the location of the rebels’ secret stronghold.
At which point, Vader demonstrates the power of the force — by strangling Motti while standing several feet away.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing,” Vader observes.
According to StarWars.com, LeParmentier was one of the many actors who read for the part of Han Solo, but he was originally hired to play a Mos Eisley bureaucrat named Montross. Just before the start of production that part was cut from the film, and he won the role of Motti instead.
StarWars.com also noted that Admiral Motti received his full name, “Conan Antonio Motti,” when Lucas provided an off-the-cuff answer to a trivia question asked of him by talk show host Conan O’Brien in 2007.
“He absolutely loved traveling the world and meeting his friends and fellow Stars Wars fans…,” LeParmentier’s family said in a statement.
– Gina McIntyre.
For those that have trouble remembering this guy he is the one who said the death star was invunerable. One of the many scenes in the star wars series that stuck with me. The look on his face when he realized that the sorcery he was mocking was real was unforgettable. The industry lost a good supporting actor. Besides the Star Wars movie he did many other movies as a voice over or supporting actor. He might not have been a uber star but without the little people the big stars could not shine. I hope he is resting in a cantina far far away enjoying eternity.