Khan Bonfils, "Star Wars" and James Bond actor, dies during stage rehearsal - CBS News

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Khan Bonfils, "Star Wars" and James Bond actor, dies during stage rehearsal

Khan Bonfils, an actor who appeared in "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace" and "Skyfall," died during rehearsals for a play in London. He was 42.

Bonfils collapsed while rehearsing for "Dante's Inferno," but members of the production's Craft Theatre Company and paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, BBC News reports.

The theater company announced the news on Twitter, calling his death "a tragedy."


The cause of death is not yet known.

"Dante's Inferno" was to have opened Thursday night, but a statement on the Craft Theatre website says it will now open Jan. 10. Director Rocky Rodriguez said, "We've been through a bit of a trauma, it's all very difficult to stomach. 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."

Bonfils, perhaps best known for playing Jedi master Saesee Tiin in "Phantom Menace," also had roles in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life," "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Batman Begins."

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