'Star Wars' actor Andrew Jack dies of coronavirus in Britain
- 01 Apr 2020
Star Wars actor Andrew Jack has died in Britain as a result of the coronavirus, his agent said on Wednesday. He was 76.
The actor, who also worked as a dialect coach, died in a hospital in Surrey on Tuesday, Jack’s agent Jill McCullough said in a statement.
"Andrew lived on one of the oldest working houseboats on the Thames, he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife, also a dialect coach,” McCullough said.
Jack appeared in "Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi” as General Ematt, as well as "Solo: A Star Wars Story” and "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.”
His wife, Gabrielle Rogers, who is quarantined in Australia, posted on social media: "Andrew Jack was diagnosed with coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all ‘with’ him.”
The British actor had appeared in over 80 films and was also a successful dialect coach.
Jack's fellow "Star Wars" actor Greg Grunberg said he was "devastated" to learn of his death, describing him as a "wonderful, talented, beloved gentleman."
"He is one of the kindest people I've ever worked with," Grunberg added.
Jack, who lived on a houseboat on the River Thames, had been "full of life," "funny, charming and a joy to be around. He was still working full-pelt, currently coaching on the new 'Batman'," his agent said.
The actor had been unable to see his wife and fellow dialect coach Gabrielle Rogers, who he was "madly in love with," because she was "stuck in quarantine in Australia, having just flown in from New Zealand last week," McCullough said.
Passengers arriving in Australia must isolate in hotels for two weeks.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Jack’s clients for his dialect coaching included Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth.
Agencies