Un-Fettered: The Retirement of Jeremy Bulloch

For almost fifty years, Jeremy Bulloch was the man in the Mandalorian mask. However, Mr. Bulloch is calling it quits as Star Wars fan favorite, Boba Fett.

The character of Boba Fett debuted in the infamous, Star Wars: Holiday Special. A total flop, the only high pint noted was an animated adventure that introduced the man of mystery.

The next movie in the original trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back, introduced the ruthless bounty hunter, which seemed to already have a history with Darth Vader.

In real life, Jeremy Bulloch had appeared in a John Pertwee Doctor Who storyline with future Darth Vader physical actor, Dave Prowse. Needing someone to wear the armored outfit, Bulloch’s half-brother, Roger Watts, encouraged Bulloch to step into the uniform and his biggest role. Although voiced by Jason Wingreen, Bulloch’s mannerisms and menacing physical presence helped in his role.

Bulloch was a fan of the Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns, usually directed by Sergio Leone, and mimicked quite a few of his behaviors for Fett from these films.

Bulloch spent quite a few years on the convention circuit and made many appearances in costume as Fett. He also appeared in roles as minor Imperial officers and Alliance or Rebel officers or pilots.

Bulloch published a limited-edition memoir of being on the convention circuit, and although other actors have donned the armor, his is considered the definitive version.

Although wanting to work with further films within the Star Wars universe with the Fett character, he has not been able to.

Recently, he announced he was retiring from the convention circuit and appearances as Boba Fett. He is an honorary member of the 501st Legion, the international Star Wars bad guy costuming group,

Mr.Bulloch lives in London with his wife, Maureen, and has three children and ten grandchildren. Although he started out as a big Star Trek fan, many future Jedis are fortunate that he took his role as Fett, and he will be missed on the convention circuit.