Actor Nick Joseph, who played Major Arhul Hextrophon in Star Wars and appeared in EastEnders, has died suddenly, his close friend announced.
The actor was best known for playing the medal bearer during the iconic award ceremony scene at the climax of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. His close friend Rick Stanley announced the news of his death in a social media post, describing the loss as devastating.
In the 1977 George Lucas sci-fi classic, Joseph portrayed Major Hextrophon, standing near lead stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford during the celebratory final scene on Yavin 4. Joseph maintained a close connection with science fiction fans throughout his life, making regular appearances at conventions around the world.
Prior to his death, Joseph had planned to participate in official celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Star Wars in 2027. Stanley expressed his heartbreak online while reflecting on their decades of friendship and shared projects.
"I can't believe I've lost my best friend," Stanley wrote. "Steph and I have had many adventures over the years with Nick and Dee including Nick and I organising four Star Wars shows in that time. It chokes me up thinking how excited he was anticipating celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Wars next year."
Stanley added: "Steph and I send love and prayers to Dee and family at this very sad time. Rest in the force Major Arhul Hextrophon my dear friend. Until we meet again."
Tributes from family and friends
A relative of the actor paid emotional tribute online, noting that Joseph retained his warmth and sense of humour throughout his life. "He lived life to the full right up to the last minute. Always joking right until the end," the relative said.
"His life on this earth may have ended suddenly but our memories of him as a loving husband, father, step-father, grandad and uncle will always live on," the relative added. "And I'm sure he's smiling down and planning tricks on us for our time in the next world."
Fans and event attendees expressed shock at the news, remembering Joseph as a generous figure who devoted time to meeting admirers. One fan recalled speaking with Joseph less than two weeks ago at the Northern Horizon convention for the television series Blake's 7, held in Newcastle upon Tyne.
"This is a shock! I was speaking to Nick not even two weeks ago at the Northern Horizon (Blake's 7) convention in Newcastle," the fan wrote. "He seemed in such good spirits and health. Lovely man, kind and funny - he loved all things Star Wars and Blake's 7."
Career across television and film
In addition to his memorable role in Star Wars, Joseph had a varied screen career across British film and television. He played Bert the milkman on the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2019, which served as his final acting role.
Joseph also had a small role as an armoury officer in the 1977 James Bond classic film The Spy Who Loved Me, starring Roger Moore. His television acting credits included appearances in sci-fi series Doctor Who and the BBC drama Blake's 7.
The long-running soap opera EastEnders, which first aired on the BBC in 1985, follows the lives of residents in the fictional London borough of Walford. Joseph's late-career performance as Bert the milkman brought him to prime-time television viewers across the UK.
Tributes poured in from other fans who described Joseph as a "lovely man" and a "true legend" following the announcement. "Until the end he lived his life like he always had still planning events doing what he loved being a lovely man a true legend," one fan wrote.
Another wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear this. So sudden and upsetting. Nick was a wonderful, kind, and fun person to be around. Always generous with his time when meeting his fans. Rest in peace, Nick." A third added: "This is a such a shock I have some amazing memories of Nick such a genuine nice guy gentleman ascending love to his family and friends RIP my friend."
A fourth fan shared a deeply personal message: "The kindest, sweetest man and an incredibly loyal friend. I feel I have lost a brother. Wonderful and unique human being who brought goodness and joy to everyone." Joseph is survived by his wife Dee, alongside his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.
