Michael Pennington, the famous star best known for his role as Imperial officer Moff Tien Jergerud, died on May 10, 2026, at the age of 82. With an extensive career in classical theatre, the iconic actor left an indelible mark on the arts community, alongside portraying the Commander of the Second Death Star in the 1983 film, “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”
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Michael Pennington: Remembered for his prolific work
While the actor sadly passed away on Sunday, according to The Telegraph, the cause of the disaster has not been stated. Born on June 7, 1943 as Michael Vivien Fife Pennington in England, the late actor was committed to Arts and Crafts, specifically the works of Shakespeare. Bennington joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1964, and entered the spotlight a year later with his work in The War of the Roses. Furthermore, he prominently starred in the high-profile role opposite Meryl Streep in the 1980s film The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
“I realized I couldn’t let Hamlet go,” he told the aforementioned outlet before adding, “It’s one of the rewards.” The duo worked together again on The Iron Lady where she won an Academy Award for the project.
About Michael Pennington’s family
Other than acting roles, the late actor wrote books about acting and the entertainment industry. He played his final role as a voice actor for The Trust in Ridley Scott’s Raised by Wolves. As for his personal life, Michael Pennington married Katherine Baker in 1964, and they had a son. However, the marriage did not last long, and the couple signed divorce papers in 1967. After marriage, he had a long-term relationship with author Prue Skin, who died in 2025 after a short illness.
