Bulloch played Boba Fett (on far right)

Jeremy Bulloch played Boba Fett, the fan-favorite bounty hunter, in THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. A few weeks ago I published some quotes from actors Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew regarding the passing of director Irvin Kershner – you can read those quotes below. Through the years I’ve also been lucky enough to become friends with Jeremy, and see him a few times a year at conventions. Many believe (myself included) that Bulloch is a sort of good will ambassador for the STAR WARS franchise, as his sweet personality and kindness to the fans is almost unparalleled in this industry. Jeremy was kind enough to send me a few words as well on working with Kersh.

From Jeremy Bulloch:

I was very priviliged to work with Irvin.  He was a great director.  When we were rehearsing a scene he would act out the whole piece and you followed his direction.  When it came to shoot the scene I would often change a look or move but always made sure I was  listening  to Kersh.  We got on very well and I will miss him.  A true classy director.

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I asked a few of the people I know in the STAR WARS acting universe if they’d like to say anything in memory of Irvin Kershner, and quickly received replies from Mark Hamill (who portrayed Luke Skywalker) and Peter Mayhew (who portrayed Chewbacca). While I can tell you that just about everyone I know who worked with Kersh has had nothing but nice things to say about him, it’s still nice to get some official quotes from some of the most principal players. You can read what Mark and Peter had to say below.

From Mark Hamill:

He wasn’t just a wonderful director, he was a wonderful person. His versatility was astonishing, as he moved effortlessly between the spectacular special-effects driven set pieces and the quieter, more intimate scenes of great nuance. I consider myself lucky to have worked with him and to have been his friend.

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From Peter Mayhew:

Irvin was the “show me” director. He was very hands on with the actors and would personally work the scenes before the shoot. Then he would sit back and give the actors room to be themselves. It made for a great movie.

During the welding scene, there were lots of problems. The set was made entirely of wood and they were using an electric welder to make the sparks. Irvin was frustrated in trying to make the situation work. They had put a metal plate in front of me (as Chewie) and covered it in grease and most of the time the sparks didn’t go. Irvin had to get the technicians up there several times and they finally wiped the grease down to a fine film. Myself, in the very combustible Chewbacca costume, with the mask on and looking through goggles was, to say the least, concerned and timid about making sparks in a situation that could set me on fire. Everyone was very tenacious about making it work though and finally got the job done. Kershner, who was everywhere on set, walked off, munching on a bag of dried fruit that he carried with him at all times to give him energy. It must have worked, his little dried fruit secret, because he did a great job!

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My thanks to both Mark and Peter for sharing their thoughts.  Our hearts go out to Mr. Kershner’s family.

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