Angus MacInnes, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Gold Leader Jon “Dutch” Vander in Star Wars: A New Hope, passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 77.
We are saddened to report that actor Angus MacInnes has passed away at the age of 77.
He was best known to Star Wars fans for portraying Jon “Dutch” Vander, A.K.A. Gold Leader in ‘A New Hope’ and ‘Rogue One’. pic.twitter.com/OYyOHkjZGU
— The Star Wars Underworld Network (@TheSWU) December 30, 2024
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His family confirmed the news through a post on his official Facebook page, stating that he “left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and love.” No cause of death has been provided.
In their tribute, MacInnes’ family shared how much the actor appreciated his Star Wars fans, describing his interactions with them as a significant part of his life. “For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart,” they wrote.
“He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga. He was continually humbled, delighted, and honoured by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community.”
The family emphasized that MacInnes was not just an actor but a “kind, thoughtful, and generous soul who brought warmth and humor into the lives of everyone who knew him.”
MacInnes’ role as Gold Leader, the commanding officer who led the X-wing Starfighter squadron into the climactic battle against the Death Star, was one of his most memorable.
His character, Vander, piloted a BTL Y-wing starfighter and was tragically shot down by Darth Vader during the mission.
While his role was brief, it left a lasting impact on Star Wars fans, with MacInnes often praised for his contributions to the iconic film.
Star Wars Jon ‘Dutch’ Vander ‘Gold Leader’ Actor Passes Away At 77
Angus MacInnes, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Gold Leader Jon “Dutch” Vander in Star Wars: A New Hope, passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 77.
His family confirmed the news through a… pic.twitter.com/DPVImcLiGP
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) December 31, 2024
Beyond Star Wars, MacInnes enjoyed a varied career in film and television.
He appeared in a range of notable projects, including Witness, Judge Dredd, Hellboy, and Captain Phillips.
His family highlighted the importance of these roles, saying, “His work touched countless lives, and he took great pride in being part of these stories that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Fans of the actor quickly took to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of meeting MacInnes at conventions.
One fan wrote, “I had the privilege of getting to know Angus personally, for which I am very grateful. RIP Gold Leader.”
Another commented, “So sorry for your loss. I had the honor of meeting him back in 2002 or so and often interacted on his posts. He was very kind. I will raise a glass to Gold Leader, on his wing.”
A third fan shared, “Had the pleasure of meeting Angus many times at cons, he was such a lovely man, RIP.”
MacInnes, born on October 27, 1947, had spoken in interviews about the challenges he faced while filming Star Wars.
In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, MacInnes recalled a humorous moment while shooting his scenes. He explained how director George Lucas instructed him to deliver his lines without the usual cues from other actors, which led to a moment of panic on set. “I got into the cockpit to do this scene and George said, ‘Have you learnt your lines out of sequence?’” MacInnes recounted. “I thought, ‘What is he talking about?’ I had no idea what he meant.”
The actor went on to describe the chaos that ensued as he struggled to remember his lines without the cues. “It turned into a s—storm because I couldn’t remember anything without the cues,” MacInnes said, laughing at the memory. “I started sweating, so I needed a makeup artist there with a mop. I was in a flat panic.”
MacInnes’ dedication to his craft led him to improvise during the difficult scene, using pieces of the script to help him get through it. “I had a piece of script on this leg, a piece of script on this leg, and chunks of script above and below me,” he recalled.
Despite the difficulties, MacInnes completed the scene, remarking, “There’s no performance – in that sense – at all. It’s just reading lines and I thought, ‘I don’t care. I’ve just got to get out of here.’”
MacInnes’ legacy as an actor, a beloved figure in the Star Wars community, and a kind-hearted individual will continue to live on through the many fans who cherished his work.
He is survived by his family, friends, fellow actors, and the countless fans whose lives he touched throughout his career.
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