STAR WARS & Stage Actor Khan Bonfils Dies During Play Rehearsal in London

According to The Telegraph, stage and screen actor Khan Bonfils has died after collapsing during a rehearsal for Craft Theatre's production of DANTE'S INFERNO at The Rag Factory in London. No official cause of death has been released.

Craft Theatre's spokesman Chris Hislop said: "Khan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr performed CPR on location. An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn't be resuscitated."

Hislop added: "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."

The Craft Theatre said in a statement: "With great sadness, we announce the death of Khan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed."

Director Rodriguez said in a statement on the company's website: "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 Khan was on."

The company is still planning to continue on with the production, which was set to open tonight, January 8. DANTE'S INFERNO is now aiming for a Saturday night bow, with actor Ryan Prescott, Bonfils's close friend, stepping in for his role.

Bonfils, who has graced the stage in several West End shows, appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in 1999 as Jedi Master 'Saesee Tiin'. Among his other big screen credits are Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Batman Begins and Skyfall.