An actor who appeared in a James Bond film and as a Jedi master in the Star Wars: Episode 1 has collapsed and died during a rehearsal for an upcoming theatre production.

Khan (also known as Kan) Bonfils was rehearsing for Dante's Inferno, which was due to open at The Rag Factory in east London this week when he collapsed yesterday.

Members of the Craft Theatre company and paramedics fought to save his life but he could not be resuscitated.

Chris Hislop, the company's spokesman, said: “Kan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr, he performed CPR on location.

“An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn't be resuscitated.”

The cause of death has yet to be ascertained, he added.

A statement from Craft Theatre said: “With great sadness, we announce the death of Kan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed.”

Mr Hislop said the cast and crew were devastated by Mr Bonfils' death.

He said: “The entire company are in shock. There is absolutely severe sadness, it is a real tragedy. I think they are holding it together by talking it through and by being there for each other.”

He added that they hoped to carry on with the production with another actor from the company taking Mr Bonfils' place in the ensemble cast.

Mr Hislop said: “It was due to open on Thursday. If things go to plan and if the incoming actor is able to do the job we are hoping to open on Saturday.”

Mr Bonfils appeared as Jedi master Saesee Tiin in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace, opposite Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor.

He also appeared in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life, Batman Begins and the James Bond film Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, as well as several productions on the West End stage.