Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Admiral Ackbar voice actor Erik Bauersfeld dies aged 93

Bauersfeld and Admiral Ackbar, with original puppeteer Tim Rose, were handed a cameo in Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Adam Withnall
Tuesday 05 April 2016 01:09 EDT
Comments
(Lucasfilm/Star Wars)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The actor who voiced the fan favourite Star Wars character Admiral Ackbar, Erik Bauersfeld, has died aged 93.

Bauersfeld spoke one of the most famous lines from the seven-film series so far, "It's a trap!", in the third instalment Return of the Jedi.

He died on Sunday at his home in Berkeley, California, after a respected career as a radio dramatist spanning more than 50 years.

Raised in New York, Bauersfeld was made director of drama and literature at Berkeley radio station KPFA in 1963, and oversaw dozens of acclaimed productions during 31 years in the role.

But it was his unexpected turn as a squid-headed alien that elevated the actor to international fame.

Bauersfeld said he was working on a radio project at Lucasfilm in 1983 when he was asked to read for the part of Admiral Ackbar.

He also voiced one of Jabba the Hutt's henchmen, Bib Fortuna, yet did not receive a closing credit for either role.

The line "It's a trap!" would go on to become a popular internet meme, and Bauersfeld and Admiral Ackbar, with original puppeteer Tim Rose, were handed a cameo in Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle in 2011, Bauersfeld revealed that the work which would end up bizarrely defining his career took just an hour, plus an extra 30 minutes voicing Fortuna.

"I went over, he showed me the picture of Admiral Ackbar, and I did it," Bauersfeld said. "I saw the face, and I knew what he must sound like."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in