James Bond and Star Wars actor dies suddenly during rehearsals

The 'sudden loss' of Khan Bonfils was a ‘tragedy’ according to the actor's colleagues at the Craft Theatre.

17:03 07 January 2015

James Bond and Star Wars actor Khan Bonfils has collapsed and died during a rehearsal for an upcoming theatre production. The actor, who is also known as Kan, was rehearsing for Dante’s Inferno yesterday.

Members of the Craft Theatre company and paramedics did their best to save his life but he could not be resuscitated.

Chris Hislop, the company's spokesman, said: “Kan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr, he performed CPR on location.

“An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn't be resuscitated.”

He added: “The entire company are in shock. There is absolutely severe sadness, it is a real tragedy. I think they are holding it together by talking it through and by being there for each other.”

A statement from Craft Theatre said: “With great sadness, we announce the death of Kan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed.”

Mr Bonfils appeared as Jedi master Saesee Tiin in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, opposite Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor. He also appeared in James Bond film Skyfall, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, and Batman Begins.

The cause of death has yet to be ascertained.