Canadian actor Richard Donat, known to Star Wars fans for voicing Deej Warrick in the animated series Ewoks, has died at 84 following a lengthy illness.
Donat, whose career spanned several decades across theatre, film, and television, passed away on March 28 after receiving care at South Shore Regional Hospital.
In an obituary, the family said he was a “passionate gardener, a loving and supportive partner, a devoted father, and an extremely proud grandfather of Charlize, Nadia, Mira, and Taran. He will be missed but his presence will always be with us. He was a good man.”
Born on June 1, 1941, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Richard Donat developed a passion for acting early in life. Over the years, he became known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, performing in a wide range of roles on stage and screen.
Donat built a strong reputation in Canadian theatre, where he not only acted but also directed productions. His work earned him significant recognition, including prestigious awards such as the Dora Mavor Moore Award and the Merritt Award. His stage presence and commitment to storytelling made him a respected figure in the performing arts community.
Canadian actor Richard Donat dead at 84
In television and film, Donat appeared in many productions in both Canada and the United States. He was perhaps best known to wider audiences for his role as Vince Teagues in the television series Haven.
“I have always lived here, and then this show comes along, and suddenly your life is changed,” he told Media Mikes in 2012. “It is quite extraordinary, really.”
Moreover, he voiced an Ewok in the ’80s animated series Star Wars: Ewoks, which followed the adventures of Wicket and his friends on the forest moon of Endor. The show ran for two seasons on ABC before ending.
Throughout his career, he often portrayed thoughtful and authoritative characters, leaving a lasting impression in both major and supporting roles.
Acting certainly ran in his family. Richard was the brother of actor Peter Donat, a soap star, and the nephew of renowned British actor Robert Donat, who actually won an Academy Award in the 1940s.
Richard is now being remembered for his talent, professionalism, and lasting contributions to theatre and screen, as well as for the impact he had on audiences and fellow artists alike. May he rest in peace.
