Richard Bonehill
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]
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. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1982-86 | Doctor Who | Various | 11 episodes | [4] |
1984-86 | 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
- "'Star Wars' character actor Richard Bonehill dies at 67". ew.com. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- Alistair McGeorge (6 February 2015). "Star Wars actor Richard Bonehill dies aged 67". Mirror Online. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- 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
- "Richard Bonehill dead: Star Wars actor, who played alien Nien Nunb, dies aged 67". The Independent. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- "Expert swordsman and Star Wars actor dies aged 67". Western Morning News. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
- "Richard is crowned world champion". westbriton.co.uk. 13 October 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2015.