Bernd Lorenz
Since June 2007 Non Commercial Fanwebsite
Today I have the pleasure with Ken Coombs , he played an Imperial Officer in “Return of the Jedi” and also many other films including Batman, Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom and many more.
Thank you Ken Coombs for your time for this little interview.
It’s a pleasure Bernd. Thank you for asking me to be interviewed for The Entertainment-Junkie Web site. It’s an honour.
- Ken you played in one of the biggest SiFi movies of all time,Star Wars, Can you tell how you got cast for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi? And how did you get your part assigned?
Yes, I was very lucky to have played the part of an Imperial Officer in Return of the Jedi. My agent at the time sent me for the role. It was 1982 and up till then I had been mainly a stage actor and had only appeared in a couple of films and TV shows so appearing in a big movie was a relatively new experience.
In fact when we filmed it, it was known as ‘Revenge of the Jedi’. It was not till it was released that I found out that they had changed the name to ‘Return of the Jedi’. I had seen the original Star Wars film at a charity premier when it first came out and was really impressed with it, but never realised what a following it would gain over the years.
As luck would have it my picture appears on the reverse of the Imperial Officer toy figure released by Hasbro!
-The Star Wars phenomenon was huge when you got your part for the Return of the Jedi. Did you watch 16 years later the start of the new prequel Movies?
In fact when we made Return of the Jedi in 1982 it was not the phenomenon that it is now. It has grown over the ensuing years. When the first of the prequels was released I went to see it but I am sorry to say I felt it was not as good as the original three films, but then of course I could be prejudiced !
They seemed to rely far too much on CGI, which was not available when the original films were made.
Interview with Ken Coombs
Between Darth Vader, Batman & Indiana Jones
- Star Wars is still a great theme and after all this years actors will booked for Conventions all over the world, do you have contact to other Main actors of this movies?
It is amazing that over 30 years later I am attending conventions and shows around the world. I have been lucky to attend conventions in Japan, Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Spain as well as all over the UK and look forward to being able to attend more later this year. It is great meeting up with the fans and being able to talk with them. I now consider them to be my friends. It is always nice to meet up with the other actors at the conventions and talk over old times.
-When you had the choice for a day with one of all the actors of all 6 movies which one will be your favorite?
That is a very difficult question. I suppose if I had to make a choice of one it would have to be Dave Prowse. We have done a lot of conventions together over recent years and he is always good company. We went to the San Sebastian Film Festival the year before last where for the 30th anniversary of ‘Return of the Jedi’ they reproduced the arrival of the Emperor’s scene, which was the scene we were both involved in.
Ken Coombs together with Pam Rose
-Your career in acting has spanned over thirty years. Are there any big projects you’d like to have a go at?
I have been very lucky to have appeared in so many iconic films over the years, so I am more than happy with what I have done. I keep my fingers crossed that I may be asked to appear in Star Wars V111 / 1X or even X if I am still around !
-Ken you not only worked in Star Wars you also played in Batman , Indiana Jones and you had appeared in 4 James Bonds films with three different James Bonds. What was your favorite role so far and why?
As you say I have appeared in a number of high profile films including the both the original ‘Batman’ with Michael Keaton & Jack Nicholson and the final Batman – ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ as well as four James Bond films, ‘Octopussy’ ‘View to A Kill’ ‘ GoldenEye’, ‘Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom’, ‘Superman 1V – The Quest for Peace’ ‘Willow’ etc. etc. If I had to choose one I think it would have to be ‘ Return of the Jedi’ because it has opened up a new world to me which I am eternally grateful.
- What are your plans for the future?
I am still working in the industry. I have for the past few years been working on a British TV series called ‘Lewis’ and hope to start the 10th and final series of six episodes in May this year. I also look forward to continuing to appear at Star Wars Conventions. I was sorry to have had to cancel a number of shows at short notice at the end of last year because of ill health but I am now on the road to recovery and looking forward to getting back on the circuit later this year.
- One last Question,Star Wars VII and J.J. Abrams coming soon, what do you think about and will you watch the next generation of Jedi Knights?
Most definitely I am looking forward to seeing J.J. Abrams ‘Star Wars V11’. I am sure it will be a great success and I will be in the queue to see it when it is released!
-Thank you Ken Coombs and when you would you can say some last words to your fans.
I would just like to thank you all for your support and interest and look forward to meeting up before long. There is a website www. http://starwarsactorappearances.blogspot.co.uk which lists the shows that I will be appearing at but If anyone would like to make contact with me direct please do. You can get in touch with me through Facebook. I look forward to hearing from you.
I would also like to thank you, Bernd, for this opportunity and wish The Entertainment-Junkie Web site every success.
