Fans from around the globe have been mourning the loss of Bath actor Richard Le Parmentier, who played Admiral Motti in the science fiction adventure Star Wars.
The actor, who passed away unexpectedly, was most well-known for playing the character in who stood up to Darth Vader in the 1977 movie 'A New Hope', in a moment which kick-started his career.
His family, who live in his native America, have thanked devoted film fans who have posted warm tributes to the 66-year-old on forums and social media.
Richard spent a lot of time travelling and attending conventions around the globe, and because of his passion in meeting fans they are now celebrating his life with online tributes from all over the world.
Several Star Wars fan sites, including the official Star Wars news blog, have posted warm tributes to the star.
Because of his role as commander of the Death Star Richard was immortalised in plastic in the form of a small collectible figurine.
The three-inch toy had a chip, which allowed it to talk, saying: "This battle station is now the ultimate in the universe, I suggest you use it."
Richard also gained an honorary role as second-in-command to Darth Vader in the American enthusiasts' club, the 501st Storm Troopers.
He told the Bath Chronicle in May 2002: "Theoretically I can email them wherever I am in the world and they will turn up, in full Star Wars StormTrooper regalia."
He appeared in more than 50 TV shows and films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Superman II.
He appeared alongside his former wife, British actress Sarah Douglas, in several films including Rollerball, The People That Time Forgot, and Superman II. The couple were married from 1981 to 84.
Meanwhile, former Bath Chronicle features writer Gabi Mills has paid tribute to Richard.
Gabi, who now lives in Australia, said: "Richard was my erudite lunch partner of choice when I was the food reviewer at the Bath Chronicle. He was witty, extremely knowledgeable about the finer things in life without being pretentious - although we did argue about who made the best risotto - and, thanks to his Hollywood pedigree, gave an air of underplayed glamour to any occasion.
"Lunches invariably strayed into dinner, and usually ended up at the Raincheck Bar for cocktails.
"Since he died, I've found some solace re-reading the film scripts he sent me over the years as well as the emails, which were always signed simply 'take care, darling. Rx' I will miss him so much, not least because he had promised to 'swing by' Perth in October, after one of his hugely popular appearances at a sci-fi convention here in Oz."
Richard, who also worked as a screenwriter, and was a keen petanque player in Bath, died while visiting his family in Austin, Texas.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to the UK in 1974.
In a statement, his children Rhiannon, Stephanie and Tyrone said: "At age 66, Richard Le Parmentier is one with the Force. We're deeply grateful to the many devoted fans who have posted personal remembrances of our dad as a warm, genuine person with an unparalleled joie de vivre and gift for friendship (not to mention a mean petanque player). To his fans and friends, his lines were the ultimate power in the universe. He absolutely loved travelling the world and meeting his friends and fellow Star Wars fans – whose tributes have given us all the best lines in this message. He told us many stories of the hospitality he enjoyed. He usually lived in Bath, England, but was visiting us in Austin, Texas. We feel very lucky to have been able to spend time with him on a regular basis. He was no respecter of convention, except comic conventions. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard was a talented actor and director whose career spanned four decades and dozens of projects. He edited another draft of his latest project two days before death, with its sorcerer's ways, took him from us. He has gone to the Stars, and he will be missed. We love you dad, and thank you to everyone. Love, Rhiannon, Stephanie, and Tyrone Le Parmentier."
