On December 23, 2024, Angus MacInnes, known for his role as Gold Leader Jon “Dutch” Vander in the original “Star Wars” film and its later reprisal in “Rogue One,” passed away at his residence in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was 77 years old.
In a statement released, his family confirmed his passing: “Angus MacInnes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and actor died on (the) 23rd of December 2024. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and love.”
MacInnes was born on October 27, 1947 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He gained cinematic fame as Gold Leader, leading a Y-wing fighter squadron during the iconic Death Star assault in the 1977 film “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” His character initiated the first attack run on the Death Star’s thermal exhaust port, setting the stage for the final showdown where Luke Skywalker would destroy the space station.
Almost four decades after his original appearance, MacInnes lent his voice to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016), where archival footage of his initial performance was incorporated into the film’s conclusion, linking his character to a fresh generation of fans.
MacInnes’ career, spanning several decades, included notable roles in multiple major films such as “Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Witness,” “Judge Dredd,” “Captain Phillips,” and numerous other productions, according to his family’s statement.
MacInnes’ work resonated profoundly with audiences, bringing him particular satisfaction in being part of films that retained their cultural significance and continued to captivate viewers across generations. His portfolio also included significant roles in “Rollerball,” “Superman II,” “Hellboy,” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” He also appeared in the History Channel series “Vikings” and played Sonny Munro in the Scottish TV series “River City,” after settling in Edinburgh in the mid-1980s.
His family shared that “For Angus, the fans of Star Wars held a special place in his heart. 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.”
MacInnes’ connection to “Star Wars” persisted despite initial challenges during filming. While filming his scenes as Gold Leader, MacInnes adapted to the unique demands of acting in a cockpit, often referring to scripts placed around the set for his lines when other actors weren’t available for cues.
MacInnes continued to participate actively in the entertainment industry up until recently, balancing his acting career with appearances at fan conventions worldwide, where he continually shared anecdotes about his experiences in the landmark first “Star Wars” film.
