Jeremy Bulloch

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Jeremy Bulloch
File:4.17.16JeremyBullochByLuigiNovi1b.jpg
Bulloch at the 2016 East Coast Comicon
Born Jeremy Andrew Bulloch
(1945-02-16)16 February 1945
Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England
Died Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist.
Tooting, London, England
Occupation Actor
Years active 1958–2018
Spouse(s)
  • Sandra Ford (m. 1965; div. 1965)
  • Maureen Walker (m. 1970)
Children 3, including Jamie

Jeremy Andrew Bulloch (16 February 1945 – 17 December 2020) was an English actor. During a career that spanned more than 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). He returned to the franchise in a different role for 2005's Revenge of the Sith. He also appeared in numerous British television series, including Doctor Who and Robin of Sherwood.

Early life

Bulloch was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, to McGregor Bulloch, an aeronautical engineer, and Aziz (called Diana) nėe Meade. 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

Early work

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.[citation needed]

In 1962, he appeared with Cliff Richard in the musical film Summer Holiday.[1] He had a part in The Devil's Agent,[6] 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.[7] 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 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][8]

Star Wars

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."[9] 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. 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."[10] So Watts called Bulloch (who at the time was working on Agony) and encouraged him[11] to see Tiny Nicholls, the wardrobe supervisor and Bulloch had a costume fitting as Boba Fett, which "took 20 minutes to put on."[12]

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".[13] 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.[14]

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 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."[15]

While portraying Fett, Bulloch drew some inspiration from Clint Eastwood's the Man with No Name.[16] 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. In an interview in 2014, Bulloch recalled when he said to an Imperial Officer (before Fett leaves Cloud City on Slave I with Solo frozen in carbonite), "Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold," when he actually said, "Put Captain Cargo in the Solo Hold."[17]

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.[18] 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 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).[19] 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.[20] Although Boba Fett did not appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, long before the film's release, Bulloch hinted that an anthology film, which will focus on the origins of Boba Fett would be made.[21]

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.[22]

Other work

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.[23] In 2006, Bulloch provided the voice of Sir Logan the Prowler in the Night Traveler multimedia adventure series produced by Lunar Moth Entertainment.[24]

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.[25]

Personal life

Bulloch was married to Maureen; the couple had two sons and lived in London. Jeremy had another son from a previous marriage. His half-brother is Robert Watts, who was a producer 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.[26] His son Robbie portrayed Matthew of Wickham in four episodes of Robin of Sherwood.[27] The character is the son of Edward of Wickham portrayed by Bulloch. Another son is the translator Jamie Bulloch. His sister Sally Bulloch was a child actress before becoming an executive manager of the Athenaeum Hotel.[28]

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.[29]

Since 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,[30] and was inducted as an honorary member of the 501st Legion costuming organisation in May 2002.[31] Later, in November 2009, he actually joined the 501st as a costume-wearing member making appearances with the group as Boba Fett.[32] Beginning in 2000, he was a frequent guest at the Star Wars Weekends (held annually at Disney's Hollywood Studios).[33] In August 2018, Bulloch announced his retirement from attending conventions.[30][34]

Bulloch died from complications of Parkinson's disease on 17 December 2020 at St George's Hospital in Tooting, aged 75.[35][36][34][37]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1958 A Night to Remember Boy jumping into water Uncredited[6]
1959 Carry On Teacher Schoolboy Uncredited[38]
The Cat Gang Bill [39]
1960 A French Mistress Baines [6]
Caught in the Net Bob Ketley [39]
1961 Spare the Rod Angell [39]
1962 The Devil's Agent Johnny Droste [6]
Play It Cool Joey [6]
1963 Summer Holiday Edwin [39]
1965 The Dawn Killer Colin Hawkes [39]
1966 The Idol Lewis [6]
1969 Las Leandras Robert Wilson [40]
1970 Hoffman Tom Mitchell [39]
The Virgin and the Gypsy Leo [6]
1971 Mary, Queen of Scots Andrew [6]
1973 O Lucky Man! Young Man [41]
1974 Can You Keep It Up for a Week? Gil [39]
Only a Scream Away Tom Manners [39]
1976 Escape from the Dark Ginger [6]
1977 The Spy Who Loved Me HMS Ranger Crewman [42]
The Littlest Horse Thieves Ginger [39]
1978 King Richard the Second Henry Percy [39]
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett / Sheckil [43]
1981 For Your Eyes Only Smithers Uncredited[6]
1982 Return of the Ewok Boba Fett Video short[6]
The World Cup: A Captain's Tale Ben Tillet Whittingham [39]
1983 Octopussy Smithers [44]
Return of the Jedi Boba Fett [43]
1993 Swing Kids Small club owner [6]
1996 Giving Tongue Auctioneer [39]
Princess in Love [39]
2003 Advanced Warriors Max Interactive movie[45]
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Jeremy Bulloch Video[46]
2004 Number One Longing, Number Two Regret Fett
2005 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Captain Colton Cameo[41]
2006 Order of the Sith: Downfall Commander Marucs Short[47]
Night Traveler Sir Logan the Prowler Voice[48]
2009 Turpin Sir Guy Short[49]
2015 Elstree 1976 Himself Documentary[50]

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1960 Counter-Attack! Terry Benson 7 episodes[6]
The Chequered Flag Mike Brown 6 episodes[6]
1961 The Arthur Askey Show Unknown Episode: Pilbeam the Journalist
Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School Bob Cherry 9 episodes, recurring role[51]
1965 Doctor Who: The Space Museum Tor 3 episodes[8]
1965–1968 The Newcomers Phillip Cooper 46 episodes[6]
1972 Crown Court Dr Warner 3 episodes[52]
Pathfinders Ronnie Thompson 2 episodes
1973 Doctor Who: The Time Warrior Hal 4 episodes[6]
1974 Man About the House Derek Sutton 1 episode;[1] S3 E7 "Three of a Kind"
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[6]
1985 Jenny's War Schroeder TV movie[6]
1987 Boon Inspector Gower Episode; Fiddler Under the Roof[56]
1989 After Henry George Episode; Memory Games[6]
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[6]
1995 Dangerfield Superintendent Jacklin Episode: Death in Custody
1999 Aristocrats Older George Napier TV mini-series, 2 episodes[6]
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:[1] Honour Bound
Starhyke Doctor Yul Striker 6 episodes[39]
2012 Russell Howard's Good News Himself 1 Episode – Mystery Guest Segment

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ McFarlane, 2005, p. 99
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p. 87
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Forbeck, Star Wars vs Star Trek, p. 9
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p.215; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 39.11 39.12 39.13 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  44. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  49. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  50. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  51. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  52. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  57. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

Bibliography

  • 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

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