'Star Wars' actor Richard LeParmentier dead at 66

AUSTIN, Texas, April 17 (UPI) -- "Star Wars" actor Richard LeParmentier has died in Austin, Texas, his family said. He was 66.

The Pittsburgh native is best known for portraying Admiral Motti, the Imperial officer Darth Vader choked for doubting the power of the Force, in "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." He also played roles in the films "Octopussy," "Superman II" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

EW.com said LeParmentier died suddenly Tuesday while visiting family, however, the cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.

"Every time we find someone's lack of faith disturbing, we'll think of him," his children said in a statement.

"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 statement said. "To his fans and friends, his lines were the ultimate power in the universe. He absolutely loved traveling the world and meeting his friends and fellow 'Star Wars' fans -- whose tributes have given us all the best lines in this message. He told us many stories of the hospitality he enjoyed. He usually lived in Bath, England, but was visiting us in Austin, Texas. We feel very lucky to have been able to spend time with him on a regular basis. He was no respecter of convention, except comic conventions. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard was a talented actor and director whose career spanned four decades and dozens of projects. He edited another draft of his latest project two days before death, with its sorcerer's ways, took him from us. He has gone to the stars, and he will be missed. We love you dad, and thank you to everyone. Love, Rhiannon, Stephanie, and Tyrone Le Parmentier."