Star Wars actor dies after health battle as tributes flood in for 'unforgettable' star

Star Wars actor Michael Culver has sadly died at the age of 85.

Best known for his role as Captain Lorth Needa in the 1980 movie The Empire Strikes Back, Culver has died after a "long health battle". Culver's character was best known for his harrowing death scene, which saw him executed by Darth Vader for failing to capture Hans Solo during a chase.

Needa was strangled telekinetically by the Sith Lord, who later mockingly accepted the dead man's apology before his body was dragged away by soldiers.

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The actor's agents confirmed the sad news in a statement, which read: "We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver. A career spanning over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.

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"Michael largely gave up acting in the early 2000's to concentrate his efforts into his political activism.

"It's been an honor to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him.

"We worked with Michael just 3 weeks ago at his last home signing with our friends at Elite Signatures. Michael died on Tuesday 27th February at the age of 85. We miss him."

Culver also starred in 1984’s A Passage to India, along with various detective series in the UK including The Return of Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple. His last role came in 2016’s Servants’ Quarters, along with appearances in medical soaps like Doctors and Casualty.

Fans have rushed to pay tribute to the actor online, with one writing on X: "Sad to read the news of the death of Michael Culver. A very fine actor indeed." Another echoed: "RIP Michael Culver (Capt. Needa in Empire Strikes Back). Only met him the once, but he was a lovely chap."

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Somebody else penned: "Devastated. RIP Michael Culver. Unforgettable talent. Just a few of my favourite performances." While a fourth said: "Sad news this morning that Michael Culver has passed away. We knew he'd been poorly more recently, yet I managed to meet him at an event back in December before he left early doors."

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