Beloved Star Wars and EastEnders Star, Known for James Bond Role, Passes Away Unexpectedly Amid Outpouring of Tributes

STAR WARS and EastEnders star, Nick Joseph, has sadly passed away as tributes flood in for the beloved actor.

A close friend confirmed in a statement on social media that Nick had “suddenly passed away”.

During his career, Nick appeared in a number of TV and roles including , Blake’s 7 and movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

His most notable role came as medal bearer Major Arhul Hextrophon in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Nick’s last acting role was as Bert the Milkman in back in 2019.

He still made regular appearances at fan events across the globe and was planning to appear at the film’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year.

Friend Rick Stanley took to social media, saying he had heard the “very sad news” from Nick’s wife and was “devastated”.

He said: “I can’t believe I’ve lost my best friend. Steph and I have had many adventures over the years with Nick and Dee including Nick and I organising 4 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

“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.”

Nick started his career after attending East 15 Acting School in Essex.

He appeared in six episodes of Doctor Who between 1979 and 1985 and worked with Tom Baker, Peter Davidson and Colin Baker.

In 1981, he appeared in sci-fi show, Blake’s 7, for two episodes and also played as an armoury officer in The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977.

Other credits include appearances on TV mini- series We’ll Meet Again, Secret Army and Galloping Galaxies.

He also starred in a number of commercials including working with legend Ayrton Senna, playing Alain Prost.

Throughout his career, Nick had a passion for meeting fans at various conventions around the globe.

A spokesperson for his agency Star Booking Management said: “Nick had come on the road for client representation but it was more than that, he became a really valued friend.

“Outside of con work, Nick would check in from time to time and would discuss wonderful memories of being on Star Wars, even recently he discussed fond memories of meeting Caroline Munro on The Spy Who Loved Me.

“Nick had a lot of time for everyone and was passionate about Australia as, like myself, he has visited the country before and viewed itas a second home.

“He was looking forward to all his upcoming events he was booked on later in the year as well as being delighted about discussions for the 50th anniversary celebrations of Star Wars next year which sadly now will not come to pass.

“My condolences to Nick’s family and his wife Dee at this time. He was more than a client, he became a great friend and he will be sadly missed from the convention circuit.”