Original ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy Veteran Alan Harris Has Passed Away At 81
Star Warsfans know nearly everyone who played the most minor part in the original trilogy, even those hidden behind helmets, masks and make-up. ActorAlan Harriswas lucky enough to play a variety of roles acrossStar Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, andReturn of the Jedi, and he was even an integral part in creating some of the most iconic props of the trilogy. Unfortunately, Alan Harris has passed away at age 81 after a long battle with cancer, but we remember his contributions toStar Warsbelow.Imperial Signings, an organization that specializes in autographs at conventions in the United Kingdom, posted about the passing of Alan Harrison Facebook. Though Harris had various health complications in recent years, he still attended many conventions, took photos with countless fans, and signed endless autographs for the most hardcoreStar Warsfans. So who is he?
The most famous role Alan Harris had in theStar Warstrilogy was being the man under the mask of the lizard-like bounty hunter known as Bossk inThe Empire Strikes Back. The character appears in the line of bounty hunters along with the likes of Dengar, 4-LOM, Zuckuss, IG-88 and Boba Fett (all of which would havebeen in the scrapped moviefocusing on the Mandalorian character). Funnily enough, Harris had a key role in the creation of the latter beloved bounty hunter.
As we know, Jeremy Bulloch wore the armor of Boba Fett in the movie. But what you might know know is that Harris was the body used to mold the pieces for the Boba Fett costume. You can evenfind photos of him onlinewearing the prototype white armor before it was painted to appear as seen inThe Empire Strikes Back. And that’s not the only prop that Harris helped create. Harris was also used as the body to create the mold for Han Solo frozen in carbonite.
Beyond his work behind the scenes and under masks, Harris had several appearances where his face could be seen. InA New Hope, Harris was part of Princess Leia’s Rebel escort, inEmpire Strikes Backhe portrayed a Rebel trooper on Hoth, not to mention a Stormtrooper, and inReturn of the Jedi, he acted as C-3PO’s stand-in and played a Stormtrooper.
But it’s inThe Empire Strikes Backthat Harris' most significant contributions come together in a single scene. During the scene where Boba Fett is walking Han Solo in carbonite to his ship on Bespin, Harris played one of the two Bespin Wing Guard members tasked with escorting the bounty hunter and his prize. So in one shot, you can see Harris' face along with the two iconic props that he had a hand (or rather body) in making.
Outside ofStar Wars, Alan Harris was a reliable extra on many film and television sets. He played a variety of roles in the seriesSpace: 1999(seen above left), as well as playing a General inFlash Gordon, a man on the Daily Planet rooftop inSuperman: The Movie, and a ballroom dancer inThe Shining.
Our thoughts go out to Alan Harris' friends and family at this time.Rest in peace, sir.
