In some sad news today, we are reporting on the demise of British actor and anti-war activist Michael Culver, well-known for an iconic interaction with Darth Vader in Star Wars. 

While we at Disney Fanatic focus on reporting on the magical happenings at the Disney Parks, occasionally, we have some sad news to cover. This story honors the passing, and celebrates the life, of actor Michael Culver.

Michael Culver Dies at 85

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, actor Michael Culver, the oldest son of Roland Culver, a West End actor, has died. Alliance Agents announced the news on Tuesday.

Culver’s career spanned “over 50 years with notable roles in Sherlock Holmes, A Passage to India, Secret Army and of course one of the most memorable death scenes in the Star Wars franchise.” He got his educational start by training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

Culver is incredibly well known for being in one of the most iconic death scenes in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Culver played Captain Lorth Needa in the film.

In the scene, Captain Needa discovers exactly what happens when you disappoint Darth Vader.

When Captain Needa apologizes to Vader for losing track of a group of rebel soldiers, he is promptly Force-choked to death. “Apology accepted, Captain Needa,” Vader responds.

It was an iconic scene beloved by many Star Wars fans and will live on in the hearts and minds of many forever.

Alliance Agents said on his passing, “It’s been an honor to have represented Michael for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best Star Wars events in the UK and Europe. A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him.”