Ian McDiarmid

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Star Wars 9 Has Matt Smith as a Young Version of a Classic Villain?

A new rumor suggests former Doctor Who star Matt Smith has a very important role in Star Wars 9 as a familiar villain.

Nov 5, 2018

Is Emperor Palpatine Returning as a Force Ghost in Star Wars: Episode VII?

A new rumor claims the Evil Emperor will not be back as a clone or a human, and that none of the script is based on a preexisting book.

Aug 14, 2013

Ian McDiarmid Will Return as Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode VII

There is speculation that he may play a clone of the evil Emperor in this highly-anticipated LucasFilm sequel.

Aug 12, 2013

Ian McDiarmid Acting Credits

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

About Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid was born in Tayside, Scotland, in 1944. He studied for an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at The University of St Andrews, but eventually found that his calling was in theatre. He went to the Royal Academy in Glasgow, where he received the prestigious gold medal for his work. He now has a highly successful career as a theatre director, and from 1990 until his retirement in 2001 was Joint Artistic Director of London's Almeida Theatre in Islington. He and his co-director Jonathan Kent revived the Almeida and persuaded many Hollywood stars including Kevin Spacey, Ralph Fiennes and Anna Friel to tread the boards in their humble theatre. They won the coveted London Evening Standard Award in 1998 for their efforts. McDiarmid is also well known for his film and television appearances, and is perhaps most famous for his chilling performance as The Emperor in George Lucas's Star Wars films.