‘Star Wars’ actor who played Gold Leader was 77

Angus MacInnes, an actor from Star Wars who played the “Gold Leader” Y-wing pilot within the Rebel Alliance, died “peacefully, surrounded by his family and love” on Dec. 23, according to a family statement posted to Facebook on Monday. He was 77.

MacInnes first appeared as Gold Leader, a.k.a. Jon Vander, nicknamed “Dutch,” in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. According to the official Star Wars databasethe character was a “former Imperial pilot who defected to the Rebels when he was ordered to bomb rebel-friendly areas of his home planet.”

The actor had a standout moment as Dutch in A New Hope when he led a squadron of pilots, including Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker, in an assault on the Death Star. MacInnes later reprised the part for a voice cameo in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

“For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart,” the family statement reads. “He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga. He was continually humbled, delighted, and honored by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community.”

Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1947, MacInnes’ career also spanned roles in Captain Phillips (2013), two episodes of Vikings (2013), The Black Dahlia (2006), Hellboy (2004), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Judge Dredd (1995), and others. His first onscreen appearance is an uncredited role in 1975’s Rollerball.

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“Angus was more than an actor — he was a kind, thoughtful, and generous soul who brought warmth and humor into the lives of everyone who knew him,” the statement continues. “He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow actors but also by his fans around the world — his family thank you all.”