Andrew Jack, an actor who starred in the “Star Wars” franchise and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, died Tuesday from coronavirus-related complications.
“He died this morning of Covid-19 at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey,” Surrey, England, said Jill McCullough, the actor’s representative, according to the Evening Standard.
Jack played Resistance Major Caluan Ematt in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” in which he was promoted to General. He also did the voice for the character of Moloch in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” He was reportedly working on the latest Batman movie when he passed away.
Jack was also a well-known dialect coach, working with actors in such films as “Avengers: Endgame,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Alien v. Predator,” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, in which he taught J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language to the cast, the Standard reported. He created the Middle-Earth accents and taught them, along with Elvish and Black Speech, to the cast.
“He had worked with over 200 actors including Robert Downey Jr. (in Richard Attenborough’s Chaplin, Michael Hoffman’s Restoration and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes), Pierce Brosnan (in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies and Die Another Day), Cate Blanchett, and Viggo Mortensen,” according to Wikipedia.
“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,” McCollough said. “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. I’m receiving so many messages saying how much he will be missed. Our community has lost one of it’s brightest and clearest voices,” she said.
His wife said: “We lost a man today. Andrew Jack was diagnosed with Coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all ‘with’ him.”
We lost a man today. Andrew Jack was diagnosed with Coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all 'with' him.
Take care out there, lovers x@RealHughJackman @chrishemsworth @RobertDowneyJr pic.twitter.com/fm5LevA8n2
— Gabrielle Rogers (@GabrielleRoger1) March 31, 2020
Actor Greg Grunberg, who starred with Jack in Star Wars, wrote on Twitter: “Devastated to hear of the passing of the wonderful, talented, beloved gentleman #AndrewJack. He is one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with. Please stay safe. Please stay home!!! #RIPAndrewJack.”
Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood in the Harry Potter films, wrote: “Just had the grim moment that’s coming at us all soon: someone I know dying from COVID-19. Andrew Jack was a fantastic actor and dialect coach and a lovely man. RIP.”
Just had the grim moment that's coming at us all soon: someone I knew dying from COVID-19. Andrew Jack was a fantastic actor and dialect coach and a lovely man. RIP.
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) March 31, 2020
Actor Sam Neill, known for his work in “Jurassic Park,” said he was “stricken” at the news of Jack’s death, writing: “A lovely man Andrew, and a joy to work with.”
And Sam Claflin wrote: “An incredible man with such an incredible talent. Genuinely broken hearted to hear this. Sending love and strength to all.”