SAD NEWS: EastEnders actor dies ‘suddenly’ aged 60 as tributes pour in for star
The actor appeared as Major Arhul Hextrophon in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and had a small role in the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me
Nick Joseph – an actor with credits in major film and television projects ranging from EastEnders to Star Wars – has died “suddenly”, a friend has confirmed. The TV and film actor was 60 and had a career that spanned 1977.
As well as appearing on screen, Nick held roles in casting and production – giving him a broad range of skills within the industry. His death was revealed online on Friday, with further details of his death emerging over the weekend.
A friend of the actor broke news to fans on social media, with Nick branded a “great ambassador” to the Star Wars community of fans. He had featured on screen in the 1977 original Star Wars movie, later retitled Star Wars IV: A New Hope, playing a medal bearer at a ceremony involving main character Princess Leia Organa, played by the late Carrie Fisher.
He featured in the original 1977 Star Wars movie(Image: Lucas Film)
Taking to Facebook at the end of the week, a statement released by Galactic Productions – An Appearance Agency’s Post, revealed: “Sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Nick Joseph.”
The actor was shown in a photo posing alongside a member of the Galactic Productions team, who added: “I only met him once back in 2017 at Supanova, but we were Facebook friends for over a decade. He was a great ambassador for Star Wars and to the fans. Rest easy, my friend.”
Nick had many other credits over his career, including appearances in the James Bond and Doctor Who franchises. He had an uncredited role as an Armoury Officer in the 1977 Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, where 007 was played by the late Roger Moore.
Nick played Bert the milkman on EastEnders in 2019(Image: Nick Joseph/Instagram)
He later made several appearances in the Doctor Who franchise, featuring in six episodes, and playing multiple characters in the 1970s and ’80s.
More recently, he appeared in EastEnders playing Bert the milkman in a 2019 episode, while behind-the-camera roles including producing a short film My Love in 2012, where he served as the Line Producer.
Following the news of Nick’s death, those close to him took to social media to share stories of his life, and express sadness over his death. One friend, named Rick Stanley, wrote online: “I can’t believe I’ve lost my best friend. Steph and I have had many adventures over the years with Nick and Dee including Nick and I organising 4 Star Wars shows in that time.
“It chokes me up thinking how excited he was anticipating celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Wars next year. Steph and I send love and prayers to Dee and family at this very sad time. Rest in the force Major Arhul Hextrophon my dear friend. Until we meet again.”
While a spokesperson for his agency Star Booking Management said in an Instagram post: “It is with great sadness to confirm that client Nick Joseph has passed away.
“It was only over the weekend after returning from Australia that Nick was discussing his excitement for a catch up and conventions. He was really looking forward to reuniting with @brian.muir.94, Lindsay, meeting Paul McGann and all the fans at fan tc con on the Isle of Wight.”
They added: “Rest well Nick, life is very precious and while we met only once. I will treasure our bookings and chats together. May the force be with you, always.”
