Obit: Windsor-born Star Wars actor remembered for ‘prolific’ career

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Angus MacInnes — Oct. 27, 1947 – Dec. 23, 2024

Angus MacInnes, a veteran actor who got his start at the University of Windsor’s dramatic arts program before launching a five-decade acting career — famously known for his role as Jon ‘Dutch’ Vander in the original Star Wars — has died at 81.

Though MacInnes had spent the last 40 years living in Scotland, his niece, who resides in Windsor, said he always credited the city’s theatre community for shaping his rise to blockbuster success.

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“Even though he moved away and he hadn’t lived in Windsor for a very, very long time, Windsor was always a part of him,” MacInne’s niece, Kristin Bradshaw, told the Star on Monday.

“He was always so amazed by the transformation of Windsor and the surrounding areas. Windsor was always here for him.”

The late actor was born in Windsor on Oct. 27, 1947, to John and Kate MacInnes and grew up in a working class home. It wasn’t until MacInnes enrolled in the dramatic arts program at the University of Windsor, which he attended from about 1968 to 1971, that he found his calling.

MacInnes spoke with the Star last June, passionately criticizing the closure of the University Players theatre program — a stage he credits for preparing him for roles in numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

Shuttering the 65-year theatre program was among several cuts made to help Windsor’s university reel in a projected $30-million operating budget deficit.

Aside from his role in the original 1977 Star Wars and its prequel, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, MacInnes was also known for his portrayal of Jean LaRose in the 1983 Canadian comedy, Strange Brew.

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MacInnes worked closely with Hollywood actor Harrison Ford in the 1985 thriller Witness and 1978 war action flic Force 10 from Navarone. He also appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1995 dystopian thriller Judge Dredd.

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Windsor-born Canadian actor Angus MacInnes, who began his career in the University of Windsor theatre program, played Judge Silver alongside Sylvester Stallone in the 1995 action sci-film Judge Dredd. Photo by Photo courtesy of Angus MacInnes /Windsor Star

“It shows you that no matter where you come from, or the background you came from, you can pursue your passion,” said Bradshaw.

“Its amazing to have somebody achieve what he achieved. He might not have been the first name on the movie poster, but he was definitely a recognizable face. He was very prolific.”

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Beyond his acting career, MacInnes is also known for bringing Windsor-style pizza across the pond. The late actor opened Mamma’s American Pizzeria in Edinburgh, Scotland, which is still thriving 40 years later.

After graduating from the University of Windsor, he became the first Canadian admitted to the London Academy of Dramatic Arts.

“For me, he was my very interesting uncle that left and got to pursue his passion,” said Bradshaw. “I was always kind of in awe of the ability he had to accomplish what he wanted to do in such a positive way.”

MacInnes also leaves behind his wife, Katy, children Anna and Rebeccah, and grandchild, Hazel.

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