Star Wars actor and dialect coach Andrew Jack dies from COVID-19, aged 76

From Digital Spy

Star Wars actor and dialect coach Andrew Jack has died as a result of complications developed from coronavirus (COVID-19).

As well as working as a dialect coach on films including Lord of the Rings, Men in Black: International and Avengers: Endgame, Jack was seen on-screen recently in the Star Wars films as he played the role of Major Caluan Ematt in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Recently, he'd been working as a dialect coach on The Batman, which suspended production earlier this month.

Related: X-Men star James McAvoy donates £275,000 to NHS amid coronavirus pandemic

Jack's representative Jill McCullough confirmed that the 76-year-old had passed away this morning (March 31) at a hospital near London.

"Andrew lived on one the oldest working houseboats on the Thames, he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife; also a dialect coach; Gabrielle Rogers," she said in a statement to Metro.co.uk.

"Tragically she is stuck in quarantine in Australia having just flown in from NZ last week. She was unable to see or talk to him at the end of his life and there is a chance a funeral may not be held.

"Andrew was full of life – he was tall and striking with flowing white hair, you wouldn’t miss him if he walked into a room. He was still working full pelt, currently coaching on the new Batman."

The statement continued: "He loved his work and was funny, charming and a joy to be around. He was a friend first and a client second and I will miss doing silly voices and pissing around with him on set.

"Dialect coaching isn't just about being good at accents – you need to make actors feel safe and confident – and Andrew's actors adored him."

Jack's wife Gabrielle Rogers also posted a tribute to her husband on her Instagram page where she confirmed the news of his death.

"It breaks my heart to let you know we lost a man today," she wrote. "Andrew Jack was diagnosed with Coronavirus when admitted to hospital less than 48 hours ago in suburban London.

"He died today. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his children, step children, grandchildren, brother, friends, and I were all 'with' him. Take care out there, lovers."

Jack's Star Wars co-star Joonas Suotamo, who plays Chewbacca in the sequel films, also paid tribute to his colleague, describing him as "a man who was passionate and caring for both his work and those around him".

"Devastated to hear of the passing of the wonderful, talented, beloved gentleman #AndrewJack," Greg Grunberg added. "He is one of the kindest people I've ever worked with. Please stay safe. Please stay home!!!"

During his near 40-year career, Jack had also worked as a dialect coach on films including Chaplin with Robert Downey Jr and Goldeneye.

He was also responsible for creating Lord of the Rings' Middle-earth accents, as well as teaching the cast Elvish and Black Speech.

The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.

You Might Also Like

• Animal Crossing New Horizons is finally announced on Nintendo Switch

• How to watch Amazon Prime on your TV, smartphone and tablet – and enjoy Good Omens online

• Nintendo to release two new Switch consoles this year