Angus MacInnes starred as Jon 'Dutch' Vander, also known as Rebel forces fighter pilot Gold Leader, in the 1977 film. Photo: Handout
Star Wars actor Angus MacInnes is dead at 77.
The Canadian performer strung together a long list of bit parts throughout a career spanning nearly 40 years, but he’ll likely be best remembered for his role as Jon “Dutch” Vander, also known as Rebel forces fighter pilot Gold Leader, in the 1977 film Star Wars.
MacInnes’s Dec. 23 death was announced by his family on Monday.
“For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart,” they wrote on Facebook. “He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga. He was continually humbled, delighted, and honoured by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community.”
MacInnes memorably served as one of Luke Skywalker’s wingmen in Star Wars where he helped blow up the Death Star. His character didn’t survive that mission, but an action figure was created in his likeness.
While the last acting role listed on MacInnes’s IMDb page was in the 2013 Tom Hanks vehicle Captain Phillips, his voice was heard in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
MacInnes spoke to YouTube programme The Geeknd about being asked to record lines for the flashback scene in the prequel to that sci-fi classic nearly 40 years later.
“I was pretty floored,” he confessed. “Why wouldn’t you do it?”
MacInnes was remember by his family as “a kind, thoughtful, and generous” family man who was a beloved husband and grandfather. They said he died surrounded by loved ones. His cause of death wasn’t mentioned.
His other screen appearances included parts in Superman II, Judge Dredd and 1985’s Witness, which starred Star Wars actor Harrison Ford. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
