The iconic Stormtrooper TK-421, who is famously “not at his post” after being killed by Hans Solo, lives in Camberwell.
Stephen Bayley, 70, played the unfortunate imperial soldier in the 1977 sci-fi masterpiece Star Wars: A New Hope and enjoys a cult following despite only appearing on-screen for a matter of seconds.
Stephen, originally from Wolverhampton, and 24 at the time of filming, also filled in as Darth Vader’s gloved hands but doesn’t think his digits made the final cut.
Over 50 years later, he is still paid to visit conventions and sign autographs for fans who, to his own amusement, are often star-struck.
“I’d just left the Midlands and come to London to find a better life – as the cliché goes – and was doing some modelling. I got on with an agency called Central Castings. It was the first gig they gave me”, he said.
Stephen, who has also appeared in Killing Eve, The Great and The Essex Serpent said he had “no idea” he would become so iconic.
In the film, TK-421 is killed by Hans Solo, and his uniform used by Luke Skywalker on his clandestine mission to save Princess Leia.
Stephen admits he finds some of the attention he gets bizarre. He recalled once signing a photograph for a young fan in Sheffield, only for the boy’s dad to snatch it for himself.
Although he’s never been a big fan of Star Wars, Stephen has been made an honorary member of the UK Garrison of the 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars fan and costuming club.
Asked about filming, Stephen said: “The suit isn’t heavy because it’s plastic but it’s very restrictive. There’s a whole body stocking.
“We were filming during some of the hottest months – June, July – so wearing the bodysuit was not welcome.”
Stephen filmed at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood and was paid roughly £25 cash-in-hand on the day.
He said stars like Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill didn’t mix with extras but Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi was a “gentleman” who would often stop for a chat and cup of tea.
After Star Wars, Stephen worked as an engineer, painter and decorator, travelled the world, and settled in Camberwell in 2007.
Now retired, as well as the odd film job, he enjoys spending time with his Jack Russell, Pearl, 2. She has just started yapping, which concerns him.