Star Wars actor Angus MacInnes dies aged 77 as family issues heartbreaking statement
Star Wars actor Angus MacInnes has died at the age of 77, his family has confirmed.
The Canadian star, best known for his role as Gold Leader Jon ‘Dutch’ Vander in Star Wars: A New Hope, passed away on December 23.
MacInnes died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by his family.
The actor, who also appeared in films including Witness, Judge Dredd and Captain Phillips, was remembered as a “kind, thoughtful and generous soul” by his family.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, his family wrote: “To all Angus’ fans around the world, with breaking hearts we write this: Angus MacInnes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and actor died on 23rd of December 2024.”
“He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and love,” the statement continued.
Galactic Productions also confirmed the news, stating: “We’re saddened to confirm the passing of Angus MacInnes, best known as Gold Leader in Star Wars A New Hope. May he rest in peace.”
MacInnes’s career spanned several decades, with his role as Gold Leader in the 1977 Star Wars film becoming his most recognisable performance.
As the fearless Y-wing pilot, his character met his end during the climactic assault on the Death Star in the original film.
He later returned to the franchise, providing new voice lines for 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where archive footage of his character was also used.
We are saddened to report that actor Angus MacInnes has passed away at the age of 77.
He was best known to Star Wars fans for portraying Jon “Dutch” Vander, A.K.A. Gold Leader in ‘A New Hope’ and ‘Rogue One’. pic.twitter.com/OYyOHkjZGU
— The Star Wars Underworld Network (@TheSWU) December 30, 2024
Beyond Star Wars, MacInnes appeared in numerous acclaimed films including Witness (1985), Judge Dredd, Hellboy (2004), and Captain Phillips (2013).
He was also known to Scottish audiences for his role as Sonny Munro in BBC Scotland’s River City.
The family’s statement highlighted MacInnes’s special connection with Star Wars enthusiasts, noting: “For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart.”
“He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga,” they added.
The statement emphasised how he was “continually humbled, delighted, and honoured by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community.”
His family described him as “more than an actor”, remembering him as a “kind, thoughtful, and generous soul who brought warmth and humor into the lives of everyone who knew him.”
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Tributes have poured in from fans who met MacInnes at conventions over the years.
“It was a pleasure meeting him a few years ago. Such a nice man. May he rest peacefully,” one fan wrote on X.
Another shared: “I had the pleasure of meeting Angus twice in recent years and he was a very friendly man who enjoyed chatting with the fans.”
“He will be greatly missed, I looked forward to seeing him at events every year, he always had a smile and a handshake,” wrote another admirer.
One Star Wars fan simply added: “Gold Leader is now one with the Force.”