Original Star Wars Actor, Peter Sumner, Dead at 74

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Peter Sumner, Australia’s one link to Star Wars: A New Hope amongst its cast, has passed away at the age of 74 after an extended illness.

While he will be widely remembered for his ole of Lieutenant Pol Treidum and his line of, “TK-421, do you copy?” But with more than 70 acting credits to his name, he’ll be remembered in his homeland for many other roles, including Spyforce, Outriders, and most recently for 2015’s horror film The Quarantine Hauntings. He also spent a great deal of time on the stage in a range of Shakespearian plays.

According to the Herald, Sumner was in England after traveling with his family when Star Wars was being cast. His agent in London told him that “this strange little American sci-fi movie” was looking for an actor to work for a couple of days. He asked what they were paying, and his agent said, “£60 a day.” He took the gig, and now Sumner’s Lt. Treidum will forever be a part of the Star Wars universe.

Sumner is survived by Stoner and three children – son Luke and daughters Kate and Joanna with first wife Christina Sumner.