Richard Stride
Poggle the Lesser (Revenge of the Sith)
Interview: April 2020
How did you get started in the movie business and how did you get the parts of Poggle and a Clone Trooper in Star Wars?
I went to drama school at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and in 1993 I graduated and went straight into a Hollywood movie called First Knight. I actually was originally cast as Obi-Wan’s double for the films Episode II and III. However, I gained many extra characters along the way.
How did you play Poggle?
I was in motion capture suit and had a great scene with the late Christopher Lee. When filming the scene with Christopher Lee, with the Death Star plans, I made a remark to the props guy that how clever even the smallest props where in design and craftsmanship in even the Death Star Plans. He started to laugh which was strange and when I asked him what was so funny he told me they had forgot to make them and he had to dash out the day before and went to Halfords and it actually was a car air freshener. So I told Christopher Lee when handing over the Death Star plans it was something to freshen the whole Galaxy with.
Can you share some of your memories regarding the time you worked on both movies?
I loved it. I spent all my time on set and didn’t really go to the green room as it was so much more interesting to watch other peoples scenes etc. It was lovely to be part of a big family on set and chat to so many interesting people.
How did George Lucas direct you?
He is a very visual director and has a very clear idea of what he is after. You have to put your trust fully in a director as they can see everything, and that’s what I did.
Did they give you any memorabilia after the movie was finished?
I was given a T-shirt and a signed call sheet on the last day of filming and a personal thankyou of George Lucas.
When was your first encounter with the Star Wars phenomena?
I saw it as a child on TV and loved it. I watch it over and over again.
What are your thoughts on the two Star Wars movies you were in?
I liked them and they are great movies to keep returning to as you learn something new each time.
What do you regard as the highlight of your career so far?
I loved doing Star Wars, but also Shakespeare in Love, and playing Hamlet for the stage.
