It’s a trap! Admiral Ackbar voice actor dies, aged 93

Erik Bauersfeld, who voiced the Rebellion’s Admiral Ackbar in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi, has died aged 93. The performer became famous for turning three words from a minor acting role - “It’s a trap!” into one of the most beloved lines of the franchise. Bauersfeld’s manager, Derek Maki, said he died on Sunday at his home in Berkeley, California. Bauersfeld stayed in radio for much of his life but stumbled into the Star Wars series while working on a radio project at Lucasfilm.

Erik will be deeply missed by his family here at Coolwaters and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Derek Maki

Fans poured on to social media to pay tribute to the actor. He ended up voicing the roles of both the rebellion’s Admiral Ackbar and Jabba the Hut’s ghostly steward Bib Fortuna in 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Admiral Ackbar also made an appearance in last year’s The Force Awakens. Despite limited screen time, the character with a large domed head and fish-like eyes was a definite Star Wars fan favourite. "It’s a trap!“ even became a popular meme.

Ackbar