Star Wars actor Khan Bonfils, who played Jedi Master Saesee Tiin in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace died on stage on Monday, Jan. 5 after collapsing while rehearsing for a new play.
The 42-year-old actor (who sometimes went by the name Kan) had also appeared in multiple James Bond movies, Lara Croft Tomb Raider alongside Angelina Jolie, and Batman Begins. He was preparing for his new role in Dante's Inferno with London's Craft Theater Company when he collapsed. Paramedics were called but the actor was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bonfils' death was announced by the theater company via Twitter. "With great sadness, we announce the death of Kan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed," the tweet read.
Company spokesman Chris Hislop revealed staff and crew of the theater were in shock after Bonfils' sudden death. "Kan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr., he performed CPR on location," he said. "An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn't be resuscitated."
Bonfils' latest production had been due to open tonight, Jan. 8. The theater announced that the late actor's friend Ryan Prescott would take his role and opening night will be delayed two days, until Saturday, Jan. 10.
“We’ve been through a bit of a trauma, it’s all very difficult to stomach,” director Rodriguez said via the company’s website. “The only thing we know how to do is continue to do what we do. We need to finish the journey that Kan was on.”