Peter Sumner, who played Lieutenant Pol Treidum in 1977's "Star Wars," has passed away at the age of 74. Sumner played one of the many Imperial officers on board the Death Star. Lieutenant Treidum served as a security officer on the space station and was the first officer to be attacked by Chewbacca during the heroes' rescue mission.

The only Australian cast in the film, Sumner happened upon "Star Wars" while he was in England after a family vacation. His agent said a "strange little American sci-fi movie" needed an actor for a few days, and Sumner got the gig. While he only did two days of work on the film, those two days would result in a small but memorable role. Diehard "Star Wars" fans have turned his line -- "TK-421, why aren't you at your post? TK-421, do you copy?" -- into a deep cut catch phrase. Sumner also played Treidum in the 1999 fan film "The Dark Redemption."

Sumner's character Pol Treidum has even emerged from obscurity to become a fan favorite after becoming a mascot of sorts for the Star Wars Minute podcast. Sumner's sideburns made him a distinctive character, so much so that artist and SWM co-host Alex Robinson immortalized him on a t-shirt.

Sumner is survived by his wife Lynda and children Luke, Kate and Joanna.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)