The British actor Alan Harris (May 28, 1938 – January 25, 2020) is known for his multiple roles within the Star Wars film franchise. Harris began his career as a model before transitioning to the stage and, subsequently, the world of cinema. His contributions to Star Wars were primarily behind the camera; however, he did take on acting roles, most notably as Bossk in The Empire Strikes Back. Uniquely, Harris appeared as different characters in each of the original Star Wars trilogy films (and the initial prequel, The Phantom Menace), in addition to portraying a Stormtrooper in all three original films.
In the original film, Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Harris took on the role of Leia's Rebel Escort, as well as a Rebel mechanic present in the war room during a separate scene. He also played a Stormtrooper in this film.
During the production of The Empire Strikes Back, Harris stood in for Harrison Ford for the creation of the Han Solo carbonite block. While Ford's likeness was used for the face of the "Hansicle," a term that has entered canon, Harris' body was the model from the neck down. Furthermore, Harris was initially cast as Merril and later as Bossk. Harris also portrayed a Rebel soldier on Hoth who is instructed to "prepare for ground assault" by Carlist Rieekan, and a Stormtrooper on Cloud City.
In Return of the Jedi, Harris' only appearance on screen was once again as a Stormtrooper.
Harris acted as a double for Anthony Daniels inside the C-3PO suit, transitioning the costume from The Empire Strikes Back into Return of the Jedi. The Boba Fett costume was constructed around Harris; numerous photos exist documenting the costume test. Harris later wore the Boba Fett costume as a stand-in for Jeremy Bulloch during the filming of Return of the Jedi, which led to a case of mistaken identity with Trevor Butterfield, who was playing Harris' former character, Bossk. Harris' body was used to create the mold for the carbonite block encasing Han Solo. Because C-3PO and Bossk were in the same scenes during Return of the Jedi, Trevor Butterfield took over the role of Bossk, while Harris stood in for Daniels for lighting purposes.
With little advance notice, Harris returned to the Star Wars universe, serving as a double for Terence Stamp in The Phantom Menace because of their similar appearances.
After his passing in 2020, the initial issue of the Star Wars: Bounty Hunters comic series was dedicated in his honor.
- BOSSK IS ALAN HARRIS on Blogspot (backup link (bosskharris) not verified!)
- Alan Harris (Bossk) by Dennis Pellegrom on Star Wars Interviews ( May , 2011 ) (content now obsolete; archived from the original on February 5, 2023)