Star Wars Ewoks Voice Star Richard Donat Dies at 84 as Hollywood Legacy Family Mourns TV Icon

Richard Donat, the veteran actor best known for voicing Deej in the 1980s Star Wars spin-off series Ewoks, has died at the age of 84, bringing an end to a decades-long career spanning television, radio, and stage.

The Canadian actor passed away on March 28 in Nova Scotia, surrounded by his family.

Voice Behind a Star Wars Era Character

Donat became widely known to science-fiction fans for his role as Deej in the animated Ewoks television series, part of the expanded Star Wars universe that grew in popularity during the 1980s.

His performance helped define one of the franchise’s early TV-era spin-offs, introducing younger audiences to the world of Endor beyond the films.

A Career Spanning Television and Cult Classics

Beyond Ewoks, Donat built a strong presence in television, most notably portraying Vince Teagues in the Syfy series Haven, based on Stephen King’s work.

The role brought him renewed recognition later in his career and connected him to a global fanbase of supernatural drama viewers.

A Familiar Voice in Canadian Broadcasting

In Canada, Donat was also well known for his recurring Christmas radio appearances on CBC, where he would read poetry including Robert Louis Stevenson’s Christmas at Sea, becoming a seasonal tradition for many listeners.

A Family Deeply Rooted in Acting

Donat came from a prominent acting family with deep roots in British and North American entertainment.

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He was the nephew of Oscar-winning British actor Robert Donat, and the brother of actor Peter Donat, known for roles in The X-Files and Flamingo Road.

The Donat family name has long been associated with classic film, television, and stage performance.

Final Years in Nova Scotia

Born in 1941, Donat spent much of his later life in Nova Scotia, where he lived from 1989 onward.

Reports indicate he had been dealing with health challenges in the final years of his life and received care at a hospital on the South Shore region.

Family by His Side

At the time of his passing, Donat was surrounded by his longtime partner Maggie Thomas and their sons Owen and Morgan.

His family confirmed he died peacefully, closing the chapter on a life deeply connected to the performing arts.

Impact and Consequences

Donat’s death marks the loss of a respected character actor whose work bridged cult science fiction, mainstream television, and Canadian broadcasting traditions.

His performances remain part of long-running franchises and beloved TV memories for multiple generations.

What’s Next?

Fans are expected to revisit his work across Ewoks, Haven, and CBC radio archives, where his performances continue to circulate.

Tributes from colleagues and entertainment communities are likely to follow as his legacy is reflected upon.

Summary

Richard Donat, known for voicing Deej in Ewoks and acting in Haven, has died at 84 in Nova Scotia, leaving behind a legacy tied to both Star Wars fandom and Canadian television culture.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Richard Donat dies at 84 in Nova Scotia
• Voiced Deej in 1980s Star Wars series Ewoks
• Played Vince Teagues in Haven
• Regular CBC Christmas radio performer
• Came from notable acting family
• Nephew of Robert Donat, brother of Peter Donat
• Surrounded by family at time of death
• Remembered as respected character actor across TV and radio