Richard LeParmentier (July 16, 1946 – April 15, 2013) was an American–British actor and scriptwriter whose career spanned stage, screen and television. He is widely remembered for two compact but memorable film appearances: Admiral Motti, the Imperial officer famously interrupted by Darth Vader in Star Wars (1977), and police lieutenant Santino in the live-action/animation hybrid Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). For an overview of his screen credits see a professional profile.
Career and notable roles
LeParmentier worked as a character actor, often playing authority figures in genre films and crime dramas. His turn as Admiral Motti—a brash officer challenged for his skepticism—has become part of pop culture via the now-iconic interrogation scene. He later appeared in a mix of American and British productions and continued to take guest roles on television and in independent films. Selected credits and interviews are archived at an interview collection and a filmography resource.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) — Admiral Motti
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) — Lt. Santino
- Various television and stage appearances across the UK and US
Early life and background
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, LeParmentier was raised in a family of British and Irish descent. He pursued higher education and dramatic training in the United States and later spent much of his professional life between the United Kingdom and North America. Biographical summaries and archival materials can be found via a biographical note.
Writing, theatre and later work
In addition to acting, LeParmentier wrote scripts and worked in theatrical production. He took part in regional theatre and smaller film projects where his experience as a character actor and writer intersected. He participated in fan conventions and genre events, where his Star Wars association brought him ongoing recognition; details on convention appearances are listed at a conventions page and a fan archive.
Personal life and legacy: LeParmentier married actress Sarah Douglas in 1981; the couple divorced in 1984. Colleagues and fans remember him for his professionalism, dry delivery and ability to make brief screen moments enduring. Retrospectives and tributes to his work remain accessible through film history resources such as a retrospective and an obituary notice.
LeParmentier died on April 15, 2013, in Austin, Texas, of a heart attack at the age of 66. Though many of his roles were small, several achieved lasting cultural visibility, securing him a place in the history of popular science fiction and film entertainment.