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Michael Carter | |
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| Born | 29 June 1947 Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland |
| Alma mater | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, writer |
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Known for | |
Michael Carter (born 29 June 1947) is a Scottish actor of film, stage and television, known for portraying Gerald Bringsley in An American Werewolf in London , Bib Fortuna in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi , and Von Thurnburg in The Illusionist .
Michael Carter was born 29 June 1947, [1] and brought up in Dumfries, Scotland, and educated at Dumfries Academy, where he was goalkeeper in the school football team. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, graduating in 1969. [2]
Carter's earliest television role was in the Doctor Who serial The Mind of Evil (1971), in which he played a UNIT soldier and a prisoner.[ citation needed ] He made his film debut in An American Werewolf in London (1981) as London Underground passenger Gerald Bringsley who is killed by the werewolf.
In 1983, Carter portrayed Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi (1983) he had come to the attention of casting director Mary Selway, who saw him perform in a musical in the West End theatre section of London in the early 1980s. [3] Director Richard Marquand had also seen and enjoyed Carter's theater work, and wanted to cast him as Fortuna; [4] [5] Marquand, who described Carter as a "terrific actor", was drawn to him for the role because he wanted Fortuna to be very tall, and Carter was about six feet tall. [4] Marquand invited Carter to meet at a studio in Elstree Studios to discuss a role he was casting in a film, which Marquand would only identify by its fake working title Blue Harvest. [5] Carter was performing on a television series at the time. [6] Carter's train was late and Marquand was in a meeting when he arrived, and the front desk forgot to inform Marquand that he arrived, so Carter waited for an hour without being called in. [5] [7] Marquand happened upon Carter as he was leaving for the day, [5] and the meeting took place. [8] During the 30-minute meeting, [6] Marquand informed him the part was an alien in a science-fiction film, [8] [9] also describing it as a children's film, [6] and that Carter could have the role without auditioning if he wanted it, but Marquand could not discuss any details about the character or film because it was a "top secret Hollywood movie". [8] Carter was initially not sure the part interested him, but Marquand persisted, [10] and Carter reluctantly agreed. Only then did Marquand reveal that it was a Star Wars film. [6] [8] Carter was sworn to secrecy about the role, but he told his family about the part anyway, and the next day his daughter discussed it publicly with a friend at her school. [9] [11]
Carter had never seen the original Star Wars film, [9] [12] and had only seen the sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, because he was working at the time in a theater production with Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO in the film. [12] Carter spent three months undergoing extensive makeup casts and tests for the character at Elstree Studios before shooting began. Molds were made from his hands and head. [13] Several foam appliances were sculpted to conform to Carter's face, and molds were made and cast into foam latex, which were then trimmed and carefully glued to the actor's face. [14] It took about eight-and-a-half hours to apply the makeup to Carter the first time, [6] [14] [15] though the process was eventually reduced to slightly under an hour. [6] [15] Carter had been told a great deal of makeup would be involved with the part, but he said, "I did not know what I was letting myself in for when it came to having to wear so much makeup. It did come as a bit of a shock." [13]
Following his appearance in Return of the Jedi, Carter was offered several alien roles or parts that involved heavy amounts of prosthetics. For example, he was cast in the role of Radu Molasar, a monster and warlord in the Michael Mann film The Keep (1983), as a direct result of his work in Return of the Jedi. [6] Carter has continued to receive letters and autograph requests from Star Wars fans for decades after the film's release, [6] [16] and he has made appearances at sci-fi and fantasy conventions. [17] [18] [19] Carter was offered the opportunity to reprise the role of Bib Fortuna in the prequel The Phantom Menace , but he declined due to the rigors associated with the makeup application. [20]
He co-wrote the 1991 film One Man's War starring Anthony Hopkins.
On stage Carter has appeared at the National Theatre, in the West End, and in Broadway theatre.
His appearances on television include Rebus with both John Hannah and Ken Stott, and Taggart . He starred as the polygynist husband of Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon in the 1992 TV mini-series Seekers , and as Tulloch, head of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in Thames TV's seven part series Call Red . He also portrayed King Jaehaerys I Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon , a prequel to Game of Thrones . Carter created the role of Douglas Raeburn in twenty two episodes of BBC Scotland's Two Thousand Acres of Sky .[ episode needed ]
He has performed voice work in the video games Demon's Souls , and Dark Souls .
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | An American Werewolf in London | Gerald Bringsley | |
| 1982 | The Draughtsman's Contract | Mr Clarke | Credited as Mike Carter |
| 1983 | Return of the Jedi | Bib Fortuna | |
| The Keep | Radu Molasar | ||
| 1985 | Out of the Darkness | Julian Reid | |
| 2003 | Young Adam | Prosecutor | |
| 2006 | The Illusionist | Von Thurnburg | |
| Attack Force | Admiral Morgan | ||
| 2010 | Centurion | General Antoninus | |
| 2023 | Falling Into Place | John |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Doctor Who | Prisoner/UNIT Soldier | Episodes: "The Mind of Evil", Uncredited |
| 1982 | [[Nobody's Hero (TV series)|Nobody's Hero] | Dodge | 5 episodes |
| Saturday Night Thriller | Ringer | Episode: "Grass" | |
| 1983 | Heather Ann | Geoffrey | TV movie |
| Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime | Rodriguez | Episode: "The Ambassador's Boots" | |
| 1984 | A Christmas Carol | Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come | TV movie |
| 1986–2005 | Taggart | Jack Stobo/Sandy Russell | 2 episodes |
| 1991 | One Man's War | TV movie Writer Only | |
| 1992 | Civvies | Arnie | 4 episodes |
| 1993 | The Chief | Thomas Setter | Episode: "The Trust of Justice" |
| The Bill | Ronnie Gurman | Episode: "Soft Touch" | |
| 1994 | How High the Moon | Miniseries | |
| 1995 | The Tales of Para Handy | Rankin | Episode: "Para Handy's Piper" |
| 1996 | Call Red | Philip Tulloch | |
| 1999 | C15: The New Professionals | Superintendent | Episode: "Hostage" |
| 2000–07 | Rebus | Rev John Carson/Joe Toal | 2 episodes |
| 2001–03 | Two Thousand Acres of Sky | Douglas Raeburn | 13 episodes |
| 2003 | Seven Wonders of the Industrial World | John Scott Russell | Episode: "The Great Ship" |
| 2004 | Red Cap | Maj. Gen. Guy Walpole | Episode: "Betrayed" |
| Rosemary & Thyme | Professor Reeves | Episode: "Swords into Ploughshares" | |
| 2005 | Casualty | Michael de Fraine | 4 episodes |
| 2006 | Spooks | Sir Maurice Clark | Series 5 episode 10, Also known as MI-5 |
| 2012 | Hunted | Vincent Cage | Episode: "Kismet" |
| 2017 | The Halcyon | Wilfred Reynolds | |
| 2022 | House of the Dragon | Jaehaerys I Targaryen | Episode: "The Heirs of the Dragon" |
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Demon's Souls | Biorr of the Twin Fangs Blacksmith Boldwin Blacksmith Ed |
| 2011 | Dark Souls | Hawkeye Gough |
Return of the Jedi is a 1983 American epic space opera film that is a sequel to The Empire Strikes Back (1980). It is the third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy and the sixth chronological film in the "Skywalker Saga". It is directed by Richard Marquand based on a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas from a story by Lucas, who was also the executive producer. The film follows the ongoing struggle between the malevolent Galactic Empire and the freedom fighters of the Rebel Alliance. As the Rebels attempt to destroy the Empire's second Death Star, Luke Skywalker tries to bring his father, Darth Vader, back from the dark side of the Force. The film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew and Frank Oz.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a 1999 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas in his first directorial effort since 1977. The film stars Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ahmed Best, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Pernilla August, and Frank Oz. It is the fourth film in the Star Wars film series, the first film of the prequel trilogy and the first chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set 32 years before the original trilogy, during the era of the Galactic Republic, the plot follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they try to protect Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo in hopes of securing a peaceful end to an interplanetary trade dispute. Joined by Anakin Skywalker—a young slave with unusually strong natural powers of the Force—they simultaneously contend with the mysterious return of the Sith. The film was produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by 20th Century Fox.
Star Wars is a 1977 American epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Twentieth Century-Fox. It is the first film released in the Star Wars film series and the fourth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set "a long time ago" in a fictional galaxy ruled by the tyrannical Galactic Empire, the story follows a group of freedom fighters known as the Rebel Alliance, who aim to destroy the Empire's newest weapon, the Death Star. When the Rebel leader Princess Leia is captured by the Empire, Luke Skywalker acquires stolen architectural plans of the Death Star and sets out to rescue her while learning the ways of a metaphysical power known as "the Force" from the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. The cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, and James Earl Jones.
Luke Skywalker is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was introduced in the original film trilogy and also appears in the sequel trilogy. Raised as a moisture farmer on the planet Tatooine, Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and becomes a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire. He trains as a Jedi under Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, and eventually confronts his father, the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Years later, Luke trains his nephew Ben Solo and mentors the scavenger Rey. Luke is the twin brother of Leia Organa.
Darth Vader is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was first introduced in the original film trilogy as one of the leaders of the Galactic Empire. The prequel trilogy chronicles his transformation from the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker into the Sith Lord Darth Vader. His metamorphosis begins when he is lured to the dark side of the Force by Chancellor Palpatine, who later becomes the Emperor. After a lightsaber battle with his former mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader is severely injured and is transformed into a cyborg. He serves Palpatine for over two decades, hunting down the remaining Jedi and attempting to crush the Rebel Alliance. When Palpatine tries to kill Vader's son, Luke Skywalker, the Sith Lord turns against his master and destroys him. Vader is the husband of Padmé Amidala, the father of Luke and his twin sister Leia Organa, and the grandfather of Ben Solo.
The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. The sequel to Star Wars (1977), it is the second film in the Star Wars film series and the fifth chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set three years after the events of Star Wars, the film recounts the battle between the malevolent Galactic Empire, led by the Emperor, and the Rebel Alliance, led by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. As the Empire goes on the offensive, Luke trains to master the Force so he can confront the Emperor's powerful disciple, Darth Vader. The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz.
Yoda is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He is a small, green humanoid alien who is powerful with the Force. He first appeared in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back, in which he is voiced and puppeteered by Frank Oz, who reprised the role in Return of the Jedi (1983), the prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy, and the animated series Star Wars Rebels. Other actors who voice Yoda are Tom Kane, Piotr Michael, John Lithgow, Tony Pope and Peter McConnell. In addition to films and television series, Yoda appears in comics, novels, video games and commercials.
Fleet Admiral Gial Ackbar is a fictional character from the Star Wars franchise. A member of the amphibious Mon Calamari species, Ackbar was the foremost military commander of the Rebel Alliance, and he led the attack against the second Death Star in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), the final entry in the original Star Wars trilogy. Although his time in the film was brief, Ackbar became a prominent character in other Star Wars media, including novels, comic books, video games, and television shows, and later made appearances in the sequel trilogy films Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), and the television series The Clone Wars.
Matthew Russell Wood is an American sound editor and voice actor. He is a supervising sound editor at Skywalker Sound in Marin County, California. He also provides the voice of General Grievous in the Star Wars franchise.
Howard G. Kazanjian is an Armenian-American film producer best known for the Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as the Indiana Jones movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kazanjian was an originating member of Lucasfilm, Ltd., serving as its vice president for approximately eight years.
Bib Fortuna is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. The Twi'lek majordomo and chief aide of the crime lord Jabba the Hutt, Bib is Jabba's closest associate, succeeding him as daimyo after his death before ultimately being killed himself by Boba Fett. Fortuna first appeared in Return of the Jedi (1983), the final entry in the original Star Wars trilogy. He also appeared briefly in the prequel trilogy film The Phantom Menace (1999) and in the second season of Disney+ series The Mandalorian (2020) and The Bad Batch (2021). The character has also appeared in other Star Wars media, including novels, comic books, video games, and radio dramas.
Jeremy Andrew Bulloch was an English actor. In a career that spanned six decades, he gained recognition for originating the physical portrayal of Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise, appearing as the character in the films The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Bulloch returned to the franchise for a cameo as Captain Colton in 2005's Revenge of the Sith.
The Star Wars prequel trilogy, colloquially referred to as the prequels, is a series of epic space-opera films written and directed by George Lucas. It was produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The trilogy was released from 1999 to 2005 and is set before the original Star Wars trilogy (1977–1983), chronologically making it the first act of the Skywalker Saga. Lucas had planned a prequel trilogy before the release of the original film, but halted major Star Wars films beyond the original trilogy by 1981. When computer-generated imagery (CGI) had advanced to the level he wanted for the visual effects he wanted for subsequent films, Lucas revived plans for the prequels by the early 1990s. The trilogy marked Lucas's return to directing after a 22-year hiatus following the original Star Wars film in 1977, as well as a 16-year hiatus between the classic and prequel trilogies.
Sheev Palpatine is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He first appeared in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back as The Emperor. He is also known by his Sith name, Darth Sidious, which was first used in the novelization of the 1999 film The Phantom Menace.
Han Solo is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He was introduced in the 1977 film Star Wars, and later appeared in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), The Force Awakens (2015), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Harrison Ford portrays Solo in all five films. In Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), a younger version of the character is played by Alden Ehrenreich. In the animated web series Forces of Destiny (2017–2018), Solo is voiced by A.J. LoCascio and Kiff VandenHeuvel. Ford was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Solo in Star Wars, and won the award for his performance in The Force Awakens.
Mary Selway was an English casting director.
Erik Bauersfeld was an American radio dramatist and voice actor. His most notable role was providing the voices of Admiral Ackbar and Bib Fortuna in the third film of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983), the former of which he subsequently reprised in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).
Jonathan W. Rinzler was a film historian and writer, known for publishing books about the behind the scenes of blockbuster movies such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Rinzler also wrote the novel Indiana Jones and the Mystery of Mount Sinai, as well as All Up, about the Space Race.
The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner, with a screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, based on a story by George Lucas. It is the sequel to Star Wars (1977), the second film in the Star Wars film series, and the fifth chronological chapter of the Skywalker Saga. Set three years after the events of Star Wars, its story follows the battle between the Galactic Empire led by Emperor Palpatine and the Rebel Alliance led by Princess Leia. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker trains to master the Force so he can confront the Sith lord Darth Vader. The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz.
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