British boxer-turned-actor Maurice Bush (who was occasionally billed as Morris Bush) was a supporting player in a number of British films and television series from the 1950s to the 1990s. Bush was selected to play mummy-like bounty hunter Dengar in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (1980), uncredited and without any speaking lines. Dengar was intended to appear again in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi (1983), as one of the background characters on Jabba the Hutt's sail barge, and his footage was filmed. However, save for a small appearance shortly after Luke Skywalker falls into the Rancor pit, Dengar was edited from the final movie. Dengar's face in Return of the Jedi is never clearly seen, and it was assumed by many that Bush did not play the role on this occasion until Jeremy Bulloch confirmed that it was Bush at Celebration Europe II's panel, "The Fett-Tastic Four."
His appearances would be used as Expanded Universe background for the character that would take place shortly after the events at Jabba's Palace. (It was Dengar who saved Boba Fett from the Sarlacc). It is also highly likely that Morris Bush was on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977), as Dave Prowse recounts that Morris Bush subbed for him as Darth Vader for the sequence immediately following the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi. (Bush's feet are shown kicking Kenobi's empty cloak).
Despite his minimalist appearance within the film, his name has had maximum impact amongst die-hard Star Wars characters. For those looking to assemble complete sets of autographs from the films, Bush represents one of the toughest and most sought-after specimens in any form. While a few cuts have surfaced in the market, signed photographs simply did not exist--until now.
That being said, we are proud to present this 11.5" x 8.5" black and white paperstock photograph of Bush in what is believe to be a film role, handsomely signed in blue ballpoint pen. With Bush living in obscurity and dying in 1999 before the autograph craze kicked into full swing, this represents what may be the only opportunity for the seasoned Star Wars collector to acquire his coveted scripting. Well preserved and in fine condition. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).
From The Steve Grad Autograph Collection