2016 has been a sad year. British actor Drew Henley, who was widely known as "Red Leader" in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, has died at the age of 75.

Henley was known for his roles in films such as Nothing But The Best (1964), Z Cars, UFO, The Avengers, Hopkirk (Deceased), and When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth (1970), as well as several Television series including episodes of The Doctors and Space: 1999, Z Cars, UFO, The Avengers, and Hopkirk (Deceased). Then he played a pivotal role in Star Wars, playing the pilot Garven Dreis AKA Red Leader, who flew alongside Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Wedge Antilles (Denis Lawson) and Biggs Darklighter(Garrick Hagon) in the Battle Of Yavin and through the iconic trench of the first Death Star.

Shortly after starring in Star Wars, Henley was diagnosed with depression and retired from acting.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Drewe Henley.

Sources: Beardedtrio