Star Wars Actor Dies, Richard LeParmentier: Admiral Mottie Dies at 66, Family Releases Heartfelt Statement

Richard LeParmentier, more commonly known as Admiral Mottie, is confirmed to have died at age 66 on Tuesday morning, while visiting his family in Austin, Texas.

His most famous appearance was in Episode IV: A New Hope, during which Darth Vader choked him for doubting the power of the force.

"Every time we find someone's lack of faith disturbing, we'll think of him," his family wrote in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.

LeParmentier was known for that famous role of creating a visual choking effect by flexing the muscles in his neck. Later on, he was quoted saying, "I can't do it anymore because, oddly enough, I have had an operation on my neck and had some 21^st century titanium put into it."

"At age 66, Richard Le Parmentier is one with the Force. We're deeply grateful to the many devoted fans who have posted personal remembrances of our dad as a warm, genuine person with an unparalleled joie de vivre and gift for friendship (not to mention a mean petanque player)," the family wrote.

Born in Pittsbugh, LeParmentier moved to Britain in 1974 where he appeared in films such as "Octopussy", "Superman II" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," and eventually worked as a screenwriter.

"He has gone to the Stars, and he will be missed. We love you dad, and thank you to everyone," the family wrote.