Khan Bonfils, an actor known for his roles in the James Bond and Star Wars franchises, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.
Bonfils was rehearsing for Rocky Rodriguez Jr.'s Dante's Inferno by Craft Theatre, which was due to open at The Rag Factory in east London this week, when he suddenly collapsed. Members of the Craft Theatre company and paramedics reportedly fought to save his life but it was too late.
''Kan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr performed CPR on location," Chris Hislop, the company's spokesman, said. ''An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn't be resuscitated.''
The official cause of death has not been identified.
''With great sadness, we announce the death of Khan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed," Craft Theatre said in a statement.
''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," Heslop added, and noted that they hoped to carry on with the production with Ryan Prescott, who will be taking Bonfils' place in the cast.
''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.''
Aside from Star Wars, in which he played Jedi master Saesee Tiin, Bonfils also appeared in Batman Begins and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.