Windsor, Ont., actor known for role in Star Wars, dies at age 77

A Windsor-born actor known for his role as Gold Leader in Star Wars has died at the age of 77.

Angus MacInnes was born and attended high school in Windsor, though he lived much of his life in Great Britain. His family said in a statement that he died "peacefully" on Dec. 23, 2024. 

"His work touched countless lives, and he took great pride in being part of these stories that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide," his family wrote in a statement.

Aside from appearing in the 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope, MacInnes also acted in films including Witness, Judge Dredd, Captain Phillips, Atlantic City, Strange Brew and others. He reprised his role as Jon "Dutch" Vander in the 2016 Rogue One movie, a prequel to the original A New Hope, and also appeared in the television show Vikings in 2013. 

Local film buff Andrew Kidd told CBC Windsor MacInnes' role in Star Wars made him recognizable to many. 

Although MacInnes lived in Edinburgh Kidd said he still kept in touch with his Windsor high school friends. He owned a pizzeria there, which Kidd joked was "the most Windsor thing imaginable."

"It just goes to prove: You can leave Windsor, but Windsor will never leave you," Kidd said.

MacInnes' family said he was more than an actor.

"He was a kind, thoughtful, and generous soul who brought warmth and humour into the lives of everyone who knew him," the statement read. "He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fellow actors but also by his fans around the world."