Michael Culver, Captain Needa From Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Dies at 85

Michael Culver, the actor known for playing Captain Lorth Needa in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, among numerous other roles, has died at 85.

News of Culver's passing came from an obituary published by The Guardian on March 12. According to the publication, Culver, the actor and campaigner, born June 16, 1938, passed away on February 27, 2024. His wife, Amanda Ward, and his three children and four grandchildren survive him.

Culver is known within the Star Wars community for having a small but memorable role as Captain Needa in the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. He commanded the Avenger, an Imperial Star Destroyer within Darth Vader's Death Squadron, and fought for the Empire during the infamous Battle of Hoth.

His other notable performances include a major part in the 1984 film A Passage to India, playing a bigoted police inspector, plus several recurring roles on TV shows such as The Adventures of Black Beauty, Secret Army, The House of Eliott, and Cadfael. His last screen appearance came in 2016's Winterstoke House.

Culver was also a prolific stage actor, first appearing in numerous plays with the Dundee Repertory Theatre between 1959 and 1961. He made his West End debut in 1962, starring in the biblical story of Judith by Jean Giraudoux, adapted by Christopher Fry, and directed by Harold Clurman, leading to many more roles.

People paid tribute to the talented actor after the news of his death circulated online, prompting Star Wars fans to share their memories of meeting Culver at conventions.

We lost Michael Culver - Captain Needa recently. Got to meet him in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Gzpr99K6Wk

— Bob Barker (@Capt_Barker) March 13, 2024

RIP Michael Culver (Capt. Needa in Empire Strikes Back). Only met him the once, but he was a lovely chap ???? pic.twitter.com/3yf0ObaeY4

— Dan Solo (@StarWarsSucker) March 13, 2024

Sad news this morning that Michael Culver has passed away. We knew he'd been poorly more recently, yet J managed to meet him at an event back in December before he left early doors.

No apology needed Captain Needa... rest in peace.#MichaelCulver #CaptainNeeda #StarWars pic.twitter.com/Ag4ko2MyaO

— Code Clearance Blue (@UKStarWarsPod) March 13, 2024

R.I.P. Michael Culver at 84 who played Captain Needa in The Empire Strikes Back, was lucky enough to meet him at The Cantina at Star Wars Celebration Europe last year. pic.twitter.com/BWN8OGZ1hU

— Hopper (@MarkYarksHopper) March 13, 2024

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @AdeleAnkers.