Jeremy Bulloch

Jeremy Bulloch

Bulloch at the 2016 East Coast Comicon
Born (1945-02-16) 16 February 1945
Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England, U.K.
Occupation Actor
Years active 1961–present
Spouse(s) Maureen Bulloch
Children 3

Jeremy Bulloch (born 16 February 1945) is an English actor best known for the role of the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy.[1][2] He has appeared in numerous British television and film productions, including Doctor Who and Robin of Sherwood.

Early life

Bulloch was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England, one of six children. From the age of five, he enjoyed acting and singing after a school show. He began acting at the age of ten and has "appeared in [several] Disney films, British sitcoms and plays."[3] He trained at Corona Stage Academy.[4][5]

Career

Beginnings

At the age of twelve, Bulloch's first professional appearance was in a breakfast cereal commercial. After several uncredited screen appearances, Bulloch's first regular role was in the 1960 TV series Counter-Attack! and (the same year) The Chequered Flag. He went on to have a recurring role in Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School (1961) and a regular role in The Newcomers (1965–67). At the age of seventeen, he portrayed Hamlet on stage. In 1962, he starred alongside Cliff Richard in the musical film Summer Holiday. He had a part in The Devil's Agent, which also starred Christopher Lee who later portrayed Count Dooku in the Prequel Trilogy. He also appeared in two Doctor Who stories, The Space Museum (1965) and The Time Warrior (1973).[6] Coincidently, Bulloch, David Prowse and John Hollis, who would later appear in The Empire Strikes Back appeared in a Jon Pertwee Doctor Who serial.[7][8] From 1979-81, he was a regular in the ITV sitcom Agony, in which he played Rob Illingworth, one half of a gay couple. He also has minor roles in three James Bond films, twice playing Smithers, an assistant to Q.[9]

Star Wars

In a career spanning over half a century, he is most famous for his role in Boba Fett's costume in the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi - despite the character's "minimal screen time."[10] The voice was provided by Jason Wingreen originally and in the updated versions Temuera Morrison - to strengthen the connection with the Prequel Trilogy. His half brother Robert Watts, who was working as an associate producer for Empire was tasked with finding someone who "would fit in the costume of Boba Fett."[11] So Watts called Bulloch (who at the time was working on Agony) and encouraged him[12] to see Tiny Nicholls, the wardrobe supervisor and Bullock had a costume fitting as Boba Fett, which "took 20 minutes to put on."[13] Additionally, he plays a minor role as an Imperial officer (later identified as Lieutenant Sheckil), who grabs Leia when she warns Luke Skywalker of Vader's trap in The Empire Strikes Back. Bulloch was initially to do the scene as Fett when he fires at Skywalker on Cloud City. But with no one available to play the part, Bulloch went to the wardrobe and got changed into the "Imperial Officer's outfit."[14] This was his only non-masked appearance in the original Star Wars films. John Morton, who portrayed the rebel pilot Dak Ralter (during the Battle of Hoth), covered Bulloch as a body double for Fett when the character confronts Vader in the Bespin hallway during Han Solo's torture.[15] Filming lasted three weeks.

Bulloch returned as Boba Fett for the fan film mocumentary: Return of the Ewok chasing Wicket on the Death Star. He filmed his scenes for Jedi for four weeks. Bulloch was unaware of Fett's demise prior to filming and was disappointed since he would have liked to do more with his character. Bulloch said that portraying Fett was the most uncomfortable role he played and that putting on the jetpack "was very heavy."[16]

While portraying Fett, Bulloch drew some inspiration from Clint Eastwood's the Man with No Name.[17] Both Fett and Eastwood's character in A Fistful of Dollars wear similar capes, cradle their gun, ready to shoot and move in slow motion. In an interview in 2014, Bulloch recalled when he said to an Imperial Officer (before Fett leaves Cloud City on Slave I with Solo frozen in carbonite), "Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold," when he actually said, "Put Captain Cargo in the Solo Hold."[18]

In 2004, Bulloch published a limited edition memoir, Flying Solo, which is a humorous account of his personal and professional life, interspersed with tales from the convention circuit.[19] In 2005, for the first time in 22 years, he once again made an appearance in a Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith. This time he portrayed Captain Colton piloting Kenobi, Bail Organa and Yoda to Coruscant in an Alderaan Cruiser (later identified as the Sundered Heart and similar to the first vessel to appear in Star Wars).[20] Afterwards, Bulloch played a small cameo role in Star Wars fan films Order of the Sith: Vengeance and its sequel Downfall - Order of the Sith - alongside David Prowse and Michael Sheard. These fan films were made in England in support of Save the Children.

In an interview in 2013, he expressed an interest in being involved in a future Star Wars film in some way saying, "The lovely thing is...if I'm wearing a helmet, no one knows how old I am." However ever since then, he has denied involvement in future projects.[21] Although Boba Fett did not appear in Star Wars The Force Awakens, long before the film's release, Bulloch hinted that an anthology film, which will focus on the origins of Boba Fett will be made.[22][23] This film as part of the anthology series (not related to the main saga) will be released in 2020.

He was featured in the 2015 documentary Elstree 1976; a behind-the-scenes film, which focuses on the lives of some actors and extras who appeared in the Star Wars original trilogy. The documentary had a premiere at the BFI London Film Festival[24][25]

Other work

Bulloch has a part in a British TV advert for McCarthy and Stone retirement flats. In 2004, he had a cameo in Mark Hamill's Comic Book: The Movie which also featured some Star Wars alumni such as David Prowse and Peter Mayhew. In 2005, he played the role of "Chairman Skellon" in a stage production of The Trial of Davros.[26] In 2006, Bulloch provided the voice of Sir Logan the Prowler in the Night Traveler multimedia adventure series produced by Lunar Moth Entertainment.[27][28] In 2008, Richard LeParmentier, well known for his portrayal of Admiral Motti in Star Wars worked on Motti Now, a spoof of Apocalypse, featuring Bulloch and other Star Wars actors including Kenneth Colley, Garrick Hagon and Jerome Blake.[29]

Personal life

Bulloch has three sons, ten grandchildren, and lives in London with his wife, Maureen. His half-brother is Robert Watts, who was a producer on The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the Indiana Jones films. Watts also had a cameo as Lieutenant Watts in Return of the Jedi.[30] One of his sons, Robbie portrayed Matthew of Wickham in four episodes of Robin of Sherwood.[31] Coincidently the character is the son of Edward of Wickham portrayed by Bulloch. His sister Sally Bulloch was a child actress prior to becoming an executive manager of the Athenaeum Hotel.[32]

He once considered being a sportsman but ultimately chose to go into acting. Long before portraying Fett, Bulloch trained with David Prowse at his gym in South London. In his spare time, he enjoys playing cricket and travelling. Bulloch says that he has been a fan of Star Trek ever since the original series.[33]

Ever since the release of the Star Wars Special Edition trilogy, prequel trilogy and new films (after Disney acquired the franchise), he is frequently invited to science fiction conventions throughout the world, and was inducted as an Honorary Member of the 501st Legion costuming organization in May 2002.[34] Later, in November 2009, he actually joined the 501st as a costume-wearing member making appearances with the group as Boba Fett.[35] Since 2000, he has been a frequent guest at the Star Wars Weekends, (held annually at Disney's Hollywood Studios).[36][37][38]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1958 A Night to Remember Boy jumping into water Uncredited
1959 Carry On Teacher Schoolboy Uncredited
1960 A French Mistress Baines
1961 Spare the Rod Angell
1962 The Devil's Agent Johnny Droste
Play It Cool Joey
1963 Summer Holiday Edwin
1966 The Idol Lewis
1969 Las Leandras Robert Wilson
1970 Hoffman Tom Mitchell
The Virgin and the Gypsy Leo
1971 Mary, Queen of Scots Andrew
1973 O Lucky Man! Young Man
1974 Can You Keep It Up for a Week? Gil
1976 Escape from the Dark Ginger
1977 The Spy Who Loved Me HMS Ranger Crewman
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett / Imperial officer
1981 For Your Eyes Only Smithers Uncredited
1982 Return of the Ewok Boba Fett Video short
1983 Octopussy Smithers [39]
Return of the Jedi Boba Fett
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Jeremy Bulloch Video
2005 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Captain Colton
2006 Order of the Sith: Downfall Commander Marucs Short
Night Traveler Sir Logan the Prowler Voice
2009 Turpin Sir Guy Short[40]
2015 Elstree 1976 Himself Documentary[41]

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1960 Counter-Attack! Terry Benson 7 episodes
The Chequered Flag Mike Brown 6 episodes
1961 The Arthur Askey Show Unknown Episode: Pilbeam the Journalist
Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School Bob Cherry 9 episodes, recurring role
1965 Doctor Who: The Space Museum Tor 3 episodes
1965 - 68 The Newcomers Phillip Cooper 46 episodes
1972 Crown Court Dr Warner 3 episodes
Pathfinders Ronnie Thompson 2 episodes
1973 Doctor Who: The Time Warrior Hal 4 episodes
1978 George and Mildred Bill Allbright 1 episode
1979 - 81 Agony Rob Illingworth 18 episodes
1983 - 85 Robin of Sherwood Edward of Wickham 8 episodes
1984 - 85 Chocky Landis 3 episodes
1985 Jenny's War Schroeder TV movie
1987 Boon Inspector Gower Episode; Fiddler Under the Roof
1989 - 93 Casualty Rodney Mulligan / Peter Cunningham 2 episodes
1992 - 96 The Bill Dr Webster / Commander Bill Huxley 3 episodes
1994 Faith David Reckitt TV mini-series, 4 episodes
1995 Dangerfield Superintendent Jacklin Episode: Death in Custody
1999 Aristocrats Older George Napier TV mini-series, 2 episodes
2002 Spooks Roger Welks Also known as MI-5, Series 1, Episode 3[42]
2006 - 08 Doctors Julian Marker / Victor Hendon 2 episodes
2008 Bonekickers Masked man Episode: Follow the Gleam
2009 Law & Order: UK Dickie Episode: Honour Bound
Starhyke Doctor Yul Striker 6 episodes
2012 "Russell Howard's Good News" Himself 1 Episode - Mystery Guest Segment

References

  1. ↑ "Jeremy Bulloch". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Sacks, Ethan. "'Return of the Jedi' cast reunites for 'Star Wars' convention in Europe". Daily News (New York).
  3. ↑ J. W. Rinzler (2010). The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. London. p. 132.
  4. ↑ McFarlane, 2005, p. 99
  5. ↑ "Sally Bulloch". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2016. After attending the Corona stage school, where her brother Jeremy was also a pupil
  6. ↑ James Lomond (30 May 2014). "14 Doctor Who Actors...In Star Wars!". kasterborous.com. Kasterborous. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  7. ↑ Cameron K McEwan (26 September 2015). "Peter Serafinowicz joins Doctor Who - more Star Wars actors you didn't know were in Doctor Who". metro.co.uk. Metro Online. Retrieved 28 February 2016. Prowse popped up in a Jon Pertwee adventure, The Time Monster, whilst Bulloch also starred in Pertwee story, The Time Warrior
  8. ↑ William Martin (15 December 2015). "20 actors from 'Star Wars' who've appeared in 'Doctor Who'". cult box.co.uk. CultBox. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  9. ↑ James Lomond (30 May 2014). "14 Doctor Who Actors... in Star Wars!". kasterborous.com. Kasterborous. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  10. ↑ Rich Goldstein (6 May 2014). "The Cult of Boba Fett: The 'Star Wars' Bounty Hunter's Spin-Off". thedailybeast.com. The Daily Beast. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  11. ↑ Sander De Lange (16 December 2014). "Star Wars, A Family Affair". starwars.com. StarWars.com. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  12. ↑ Ryder Windham; Daniel Wallace (2011). Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle. p. 87.
  13. ↑ J. W. Rinzler (2010). The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. London: Aurum. p. 132.
  14. ↑ Mike Ryan (8 October 2010). "Boba Fett on The Empire Strikes Back, That Crazy Suit, and the Star Wars Legacy". vanityfair.com. Vanity Fair. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  15. ↑ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p. 87
  16. ↑ "Boba Unfettered". The 11th Hour. November 1999. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  17. ↑ John "Dak" Morton (1 August 2013). "Becoming Boba: Coming to Terms with an Alter Ego". starwars.com. StarWars.com. Retrieved 10 March 2016. The reference to Jeremy Bulloch having drawn from Clint Eastwood is absolutely correct.
  18. ↑ Jon Blistein (10 July 2014). "7 Things We Learned From Boba Fett Actor's Reddit AMA". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  19. ↑ Jeremy Bulloch (1 March 2004). Flying Solo: Tales of a Bounty Hunter.
  20. ↑ Cameron K McEwan (11 April 2015). "Doctor Who actors who felt the force in Star Wars". metro.co.uk. Metro News. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  21. ↑ Rich Goldstein (6 May 2014). "The Cult of Boba Fett: The "Star Wars" Bounty Hunter's Spin-Off". thedailybeast.com. The Daily Beast. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  22. ↑ Sarah Deen (18 April 2014). "Star Wars actor Jeremy Bulloch teases Boba Fett involvement in new Star Wars". metro.co.uk. Metro. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  23. ↑ Tom Eames. "Boba Fett movie would be terrific, says original actor Jeremy Bulloch". digitalspy.com. Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  24. ↑ "Star Wars behind-the-scenes film Elstree 1976 has world premiere". BBC News. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  25. ↑ Charles Gant (10 October 2015). "Elstree 1976: Review". screendaily.com. Screen Daily. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  26. ↑ Owen Quinn (5 August 2013). "TW talks to Jeremy Bulloch, the man behind Boba Fett". thetimewarriors.co.uk. Time Warriors. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  27. ↑ "Night Traveler". nighttraveler.com. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
  28. ↑ "Lunar Month Entertainment". lunarmoth.com. Retrieved 18 September 2015. Featured members of the Night Traveler cast include...Jeremy Bulloch
  29. ↑ Mark Newbold (17 April 2013). "Richard LeParmentier: Saluting The Admiral". starwars.com. StarWars.com. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  30. ↑ Stuart Cummins (25 May 2011). "Iinterview: Robert Watts, Producer of STAR WARS & INDIANA JONES". whatculture.com. What Culture. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  31. ↑ "Robbie Bulloch". bfi.org.uk. BFI. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  32. ↑ "Sally Bulloch". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 21 April 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  33. ↑ Forbeck, Star Wars vs Star Trek, p. 9
  34. ↑ Aaron Broverman (22 March 2011). "Original Boba Fett Jeremy Bulloch on playing Sci-Fi's Ultimate Assassin". news.moviefone.com. Moviefone. Retrieved 18 September 2015. The international fan organisation The 501st Legion...have made Bullock an honorary member
  35. ↑ Regina Layug Rosero (5 August 2015). "Stormtroopers with heart? Meet the 501st Legion". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 18 September 2015. Even some of the actors from the Star Wars movies have joined the 501st Legion, like...Jeremy Bulloch who played the iconic Boba Fett
  36. ↑ Windham, Star Wars Year by Year, p.215
  37. ↑ "Star Wars Weekends 2001". starwarsweekends.net. Star Wars weekends.net. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  38. ↑ Shawn Slater (3 April 2015). "Frank Oz and Ian McDiarmid Among the Stars Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney's Hollywood Studios". starwars.com. StarWars.com. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  39. ↑ David Parkinson. "Octopussy". Radio Times. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  40. ↑ Robert Michael Bobb Cotter (2012). Caroline Munro, First Lady of Fantasy: A Complete Annotated Record of Film. McFarland. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  41. ↑ "Star Wars behind-the-scenes film Elstree 1976 has world premiere". BBC News. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  42. ↑ "Spooks, Series 1, Episode 3". bbc.co.uk. BBC One. Retrieved 9 April 2016.

Bibliography

Further reading

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