Alan Harris-- Bossk from "Star Wars" -- Saying Goodbye.

Alan Harris-- (Actor-- Bossk from "Star Wars")

We are very sad to report the passing of our friend and client, the amazing Alan Harris. 

Alan Harris was known to many as  Bossk from the "Star Wars" movies:  "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." And boy did he have some behind the scenes stories to share! We sincerely hope that you got to attend one of his panels at the shows he attended. They were a delight.

In "Empire Strikes Back,"  Alan was already acting as one of the stand ins for  actor Anthony Daniels (C3PO), as well as portraying a Storm Trooper from time to time, when he was tapped to take on the role of the  Trandoshan bounty hunter, Bossk. The character became so popular that it has spawned many stories and comic books of his own, and is featured in the “Bounty Hunter Wars,” trilogy, and other volumes.

In "Return of the Jedi," the character became so "in demand" during that filming, that Alan, again one of the stand ins for Anthony Daniels who was in most of the scenes, sometimes had very little time to go from CP3O mode to getting into and out of his Bossk costume!

Aside from the wildly popular bounty hunting bad boy, Harris had his hand (and actually whole BODY), in other "Star Wars" facts and fun as well:

For example: Alan was engaged for the development of the Boba Fett costume. "Three months before filming started, at the concept stage, they built the Boba Fett costume around me," explains Harris.  "Boba Fett was originally meant to be a Super Trooper and would launch from a space ship using the rocket that can be seen in his back pack, and be able to fire at the enemy on the ground. I was totally unaware of the flame thrower built in the costume. When they tested it, it gave me quite a fright."

He was also the body for "Han Solo in Carbonite."

"When the plaster cast was dry they cut my face out and put Harrison Ford’s in.  Kershner and I were looking at the finished product on set and Harrison came over and said he was thinking of turning one of these into a coffee table. I don’t know if he ever did,” he laughs.

I personally feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with Alan and learn from his wisdom and enjoy the stories of his life.

The last time I saw him was in London late last year. I didn't know he was going to the same restaurant/bar as I one night after a show, and we both ended up there alone.

I waved to him from the door and he came and saved me. We found a little table and talked for hours...about so many things.

I'll remember your advice and your kindness always Alan. 

A true gentleman has left this earth.

--Renee Witterstaetter