British actor Nick Joseph, who appeared in the original Star Wars film and the James Bond franchise, has died suddenly, according to tabloid newspaper The Sun.
The news of his death was confirmed by his close friend Rick Stanley, who reported that the actor passed away unexpectedly. Joseph was known throughout his career primarily for performing supporting and background roles across television and film.
Sci-fi fans knew Joseph for portraying Major Arhul Hextrophon in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. His filmography also includes an appearance in the 1977 James Bond feature film The Spy Who Loved Me, as well as roles in the classic British television series Doctor Who and Blake's 7.
His final acting appearance came in 2019, when he played a milkman named Bert in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.
Star Wars Legacy and Anniversary Plans
In Star Wars lore, Major Arhul Hextrophon is depicted as a Rebel Alliance officer and historian who appears during the medal ceremony at the end of the original 1977 movie. The film, directed by George Lucas, became a worldwide cultural phenomenon following its release.
According to sources who spoke to The Sun, Joseph was keenly looking forward to participating in celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars film, scheduled to take place in 2027.
Stanley stated that Joseph was extremely excited about attending the upcoming anniversary milestone before his death. Following his friend's passing, Stanley paid tribute to the actor, wishing peace to Major Arhul Hextrophon and describing Joseph as a dear friend.
Television Roles and British Classics
Throughout his career, Joseph appeared in several landmark British television productions. Both Doctor Who, which first premiered on the BBC in 1963, and Blake's 7, a science fiction series created by Terry Nation in 1978, regularly featured character actors and extras in background roles.
His final role in EastEnders placed him in one of Britain's most watched television soap operas, which has chronicled the lives of residents in the fictional London borough of Walford since its debut on BBC One in 1985.
Death of Sopranos Actor Vincent Pastore
The news of Joseph's passing follows the death of American actor Vincent Pastore earlier in August at the age of 80. Pastore was best known for his portrayal of mobster Salvatore Big Pussy Bonpensiero in the critically acclaimed HBO crime drama series The Sopranos, which ran from 1999 to 2007.
Pastore was found dead inside his home, according to reports published earlier in the month.
