British actor Ian Liston holds a unique place in the Star Wars universe: he’Äôs the only person in any of the six films to actually kill himself! Ian appears as Wes Janson—Wedge Antilles' gunner—in The Empire Strikes Back and performs the daring cable wrapping manoeuvre around the legs of the AT’ÄìAT’Ķof which he also happens—as a man behind a mask—to be the driver! Ian had spent a couple of days filming as the AT-AT driver and thought his work on the film was over, until he was unexpectedly called back to the studio and was asked to replace the actor lined up to play Janson—who had fallen ill. It was only meant to be for a few days, but Ian spent nearly 12 weeks—off and on—at the studio as they shot and re-shot the blue screen sequences until they had them absolutely right. Ian has appeared in several films including A Bridge Too Far (as Sgt Whitney), White Nights, Scum, Overlord and Captain Jack. For many years he appeared as a regular character in a famous UK TV soap called Crossroads, as well as other famous UK TV soaps including Coronation Street and Brookside. He has appeared in many other popular series including Hero in the Dr. Who epic The Armageddon Factor. Recent years have been spent working in UK theatre where Ian is a highly respected Director/Producer and performer in a very British form of entertainment called Pantomime. Most theatres in the UK present these hugely popular shows, which are based on traditional fairy tales, during the Christmas season and Ian’Äôs company, Hiss & Boo, are one of the UK’Äôs most famous and sought after companies. The company also produce Music Hall and Variety Shows, another traditional form of entertainment similar to American Vaudeville. One of Ian’Äôs recent productions was a fast paced comedy called Shakespeare Revue which he produced in association with the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company. Ian is a member of the very prestigious and exclusive UK show biz organisation called The Grand Order of Water Rats—he’Äôs the 854th member in 119 years, which just shows how exclusive it really is! He is also an ardent supporter of various prostate cancer charities, for some of whom he is a "patient advocate." Ian is married to Vivien and they live in the heart of the English country side in the county of West Sussex. When he’Äôs not working, Ian loves to watch rugby and cricket. He loves to cook and entertain friends, and he’Äôs a great Star Trek fan! |
