Jon Berg is known for his work in special effects and has also appeared as an actor in the Star Wars franchise. Notably, he was an actor in the cantina scene of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope from 1977.
Similar to Harryhausen, Berg's early work involved stop-motion animation, specifically for Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977). His work involved animating various creatures, especially within the famous cantina sequence, and he was also slated to portray various alien characters. Although his contributions were not formally credited, he is recognized for portraying Momaw Nadon, also known as the "Hammerhead", as well as one of the arguing Duros. Speculation exists that he may have been among the cantina band members, perhaps Tech Mo'r, the ommni box player; however, this remains a contested topic among experts.
He later contributed to the Star Wars saga again for Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (1980), again working in stop-motion animation, though he did not receive official credit for his involvement.
Berg reunited with George Lucas' team for Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi (1983, taking on the role of creature consultant. The following year, Berg contributed special effects, alongside Star Wars colleagues Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, and Michael Pangrazio, to John Korty's TV movie The Ewok Adventure (1984). This team collectively earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects, shared with other TV productions. According to the book Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects (1986, Thomas G. Smith), Berg also played the Gorax in the movie.
His prior experience with Burton would later prove valuable when he rejoined the Star Wars saga for a fifth time, contributing as a model maker to the sixth installment, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith (2005). In the intervening years, Jon Berg also designed the statue used for the Fan Film Awards, and he received credit as a guest animator for the short Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II.
- " The Ultimate Empire Strikes Back Insider's Guide " — Star Wars Insider 49
- Star Wars: The Official Starships & Vehicles Collection 22 (A Revolution In Film: Jon Berg)
- " Creature Creator " — Star Wars Insider 147
- Star Wars at 40 | Much to Learn You Still Have: 9 Things You Might Not Know About the Aliens of Star Wars: A New Hope on StarWars.com (backup link) (Picture only)
- Game On: A Look at Sabacc and Dejarik on StarWars.com (backup link)