British actor Michael Pennington, known for his role in the legendary film Return of the Jedi, has died at the age of 82. Pennington played the character of Moff Jerjerrod, the military official who oversaw the construction of the second "Death Star" in the famous Star Wars saga created by George Lucas.

In addition to his success in science fiction films, he was one of the most highly regarded interpreters of William Shakespeare's works. Pennington joined the Royal Shakespeare Company shortly after graduating from Trinity College Cambridge in 1964. His stage career culminated in his performance of Hamlet in 1980, a role for which he received critical acclaim. The theatre's renowned director, John Barton, described Pennington as "an extraordinary actor".

The British actor has also had significant roles in television and film. In 2011, he played former Labour leader Michael Foot in the biopic The Iron Lady, starring opposite actress Meryl Streep.

Other notable roles included playing Laertes in Tony Richardson's film adaptation of Hamlet, as well as appearing in television productions such as The Return of Sherlock Holmes.

Pennington was also a writer, publishing books on Shakespeare and travel, including "Rossya: A Journey Through Siberia." The news of his passing has sparked widespread reactions in the art world. Actress Miriam Margolyes, also known for her role in Harry Potter, paid tribute to him on social media. "Michael Pennington has died. An old friend from Cambridge, a brilliant and wise actor. I am deeply saddened," she wrote.