Angus MacInnes, who played the pivotal role of Gold Leader Jon “Dutch” Vander in the original Star Wars film and later reprised it in “Rogue One,” died December 23, 2024, at his home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was 77.
“To all Angus’ fans around the world, with breaking hearts we write this: Angus MacInnes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and actor died on 23rd of December 2024,” his family announced. “He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and love.”
Born October 27, 1947, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, MacInnes achieved screen immortality as Gold Leader, commanding a Y-wing fighter squadron during the climactic Death Star assault in 1977’s “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” His character led the initial attack run on the Death Star’s thermal exhaust port, setting up the final confrontation that would ultimately see Luke Skywalker destroy the space station.
Nearly 40 years after his original appearance, MacInnes provided voice work for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016), where archive footage of his initial performance was integrated into the film’s finale, connecting his character to a new generation of fans.
According to the family statement, MacInnes’s career spanned multiple decades, during which he delivered notable performances in major films including Star Wars: A New Hope, Witness, Judge Dredd, Captain Phillips, along with numerous other productions.
Throughout his extensive filmography, his work connected deeply with audiences, and MacInnes found particular fulfillment in being part of cinematic stories that maintained their cultural significance and continued to engage viewers across generations.
MacInnes’s filmography included significant roles in “Rollerball,” “Superman II,” “Hellboy,” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” He also appeared as Tostig in the History Channel series “Vikings” and played Sonny Munro in the Scottish TV series “River City,” after making Edinburgh his home in the mid-1980s.
“For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart,” his family wrote. “He loved meeting you at conventions, hearing your stories, and sharing in your passion for the saga. He was continually humbled, delighted, and honored by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community.”
The actor’s connection to Star Wars ran deep despite initial challenges during filming. While shooting his scenes as Gold Leader, MacInnes had to adapt to the unique demands of acting in a cockpit, often reading his lines from scripts strategically placed around the set when other actors weren’t available for cues.
Beyond his screen work, MacInnes remained active in the entertainment industry until recently, balancing his acting career with appearances at fan conventions worldwide, where he regularly shared stories about his experiences in the landmark first Star Wars film.
