Richard Bonehill (c. 1948 – 4 February 2015)[1] was a British actor and stuntman with an expertise in swordsmanship.

Career

He played a number of different character extras in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, most notably the alien Nien Nunb, a Stormtrooper, Tie Fighter pilot and more.[2][3] Other films he worked on included Flash Gordon and Highlander. His television credits included Doctor Who.[4][5]

Bonehill was also a competitive fencer and fencing coach. He was crowned 2010 Veterans World Sabre Champion at the 14th World Veterans Fencing Championships held in Croatia. Before the final he was presented with a commemorative diploma from the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime, the world governing body of fencing, to mark his 'extraordinary achievement' of representing Great Britain at 10 consecutive World Championships.[5][6]

Bonehill died on 4 February 2015. He was 67.[4][5]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Stormtrooper / Snowtrooper / Corman Quien (Rebel Soldier) Uncredited [4]
Flash Gordon Extra Uncredited [4]
1983 Return of the Jedi Stormtrooper / Nien Nunb and various Uncredited [4]
1984 Top Secret! Scarecrow
1986 Highlander Buck the Hotel Clerk Uncredited [4]
1995 Rob Roy Gutherie's Opponent
2005 Cold and Dark Liposuction Surgeon
2013 Journals of Erwich Euripides Eoghan Short, (final film role)

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1982-1986 Doctor Who Various 11 episodes [4]
1984-1986 Robin of Sherwood Driver/Swordsman 2 episodes
1985 Galloping Galaxies! 2nd Gladiator
1986 Call Me Mister Chauffeur Episode: The Creative Accountant
1988 'Allo' Allo German guard 2 episodes
The Bill 1st Resident Episode: The Silent Gun
1998 Frenchman's Creek Guillaume TV movie
2000 Jason and the Argonauts Aertes 2nd General TV mini-series

References

  1. ^ "'Star Wars' character actor Richard Bonehill dies at 67". ew.com. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  2. ^ Alistair McGeorge (6 February 2015). "Star Wars actor Richard Bonehill dies aged 67". Mirror Online. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  3. ^ Beau Dure (13 January 2016). "Will fencing capitalize on the coolest part of Star Wars - the lightsaber?". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 February 2016. The late British fencer Richard Bonehilll played several roles in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Richard Bonehill dead: Star Wars actor, who played alien Nien Nunb, dies aged 67". The Independent. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  5. ^ a b c "Expert swordsman and Star Wars actor dies aged 67". Western Morning News. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  6. ^ "Richard is crowned world champion". westbriton.co.uk. 13 October 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2015.

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