Star Wars Actor Andrew Jack Dies from COVID-19

Andrew Jack, a British actor known around the galaxy as Major (and then General) Ematt in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from COVID-19.

Star Wars Actor Passes Away

His agent, Jill McCullough, confirmed the sad news in a statement to the Evening Standard, noting Jack died in a hospital bed while his family was stuck in quarantine in Australia. Sadly, his wife, Gabrielle Rogers, was unable to talk with him at the end and there is a chance no funeral will be held.

Rogers, also a dialect coach, wrote on Twitter: “We lost a man today. Andrew Jack was diagnosed with coronavirus two days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all ‘with’ him.”

Anthony Daniels, who played C3PO in 10 Star Wars films, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram account in memory of his friend.

“You’ll remember his distinguished features as Resistance officer, Major Caluan Ematt in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. I’ll remember him for his sense of fun, intellect, companionship, kindly advice and ever-ready smile. Sad,” the actor wrote.

Jack was also known throughout the movie industry as a dialect coach on numerous films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Guardians of the Galaxy. He was in the midst of coaching on The Batman, which is scheduled to be released next year.

“Dialect coaching isn’t just about being good at accents—you need to make your actors feel safe and confident—and Andrew’s actors adored him,” McCullough told the paper.

Sean Astin, who was coached by Jack for The Lord of the Rings movies, writes on Twitter that Jack “made a mean curry” and “was powerful & gentle in equal measure.”