10. Kenneth Colley
Character & Films: Admiral Piett,
The Empire Strikes Back &
Return of the Jedi.
Before Star Wars: Colley was rubbing shoulders with some of Britain's most talented directors. He worked with Richard Lester on
How I Won The War, Nicolas Roeg in
Performance, and Ken Russell on both
The Music Lovers and
Lisztomania. He also worked with Terry Gilliam twice, having a cameo in
Jabberwocky and playing Jesus Christ in
Monty Python's Life of Brian.
After Star Wars: Aside from brief appearances in
Brassed Off and Mike Hodges'
The Rainbow, Colley's career after
Star Wars has been largely built around TV. He has continued to work solidly, with longer parts in
Holby City and
Eastenders, but nothing up to his former glory.
Did He Deserve Better?: Probably. Lucas must have seen something in Colley's abilities, since his character is the only Imperial officer to last more than one
Star Wars film.
Look No Further: Frédéric Chopin in
Lisztomania (1975). Only Ken Russell would cast Ringo Starr as the Pope.