Richard Marquand

Richard Marquand was a Welsh film director born in Cardiff, Wales on April 22nd, 1938. He was educated at King's College in Cambridge and at Universite d'Aix-Marseille in France. Marquand got his first work as a newscaster in Hong Kong. His film career began as a documentarian for the BBC, where, in partnership with producer James Cameron, he worked on such prestigious projects as the 1972 series Search for the Nile. In 1983, Richard Marquand was tapped by American film maker George Lucas to direct the third and (at the time) final installment of the Star Wars trilogy, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Marquand's directing style differed greatly from Lucas's who, by his own account, has great difficulty directing actors. Marquand on the other hand has been quoted as saying, "I'm very interested in directing actors -- many directors direct cameras". In addition to directing the film, Marquand also had two bit roles to play as well. He played an AT-ST driver who was later identified by the name Major Marquand, and he also provided the voice for EV-9D9, the torture droid seen in Jabba's palace who has R2-D2 fitted with a restraining bolt.

Richard Marquand passed away from a stroke in Kent, England at the age of 49 April 22nd, 1938.

Notes & Trivia

 * Is the only non-American to date to ever direct a Star Wars film.


 * Has appeared on the Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi documentary and was also featured in archival footage in the 2004 Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy documentary.


 * Richard Marquand's other film credits include: The Legacy, Birth of the Beatles, Eye of the Needle, Until September, Jagged Edge and Hearts of Fire.


 * Has a special fondness for the character of Chewbacca.