Richard Bonehill

In 1979 Richard Bonehill worked on Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back for three weeks and in 1982 on Star Wars Episode VI: Return of The Jedi for six weeks. He was one of a team of extras who worked on the Star Wars films. In addition to Stormtroopers and Rebel Soldiers he also played a number of ‘masked’ Aliens. The Empire Strikes Back:  Empire Stormtrooper, Empire Snowtrooper , Hoth Rebel Soldier , Tauntaun handler. The Return of The Jedi:   Empire Stormtrooper, Nien Nunb (Co-pilot to Lando Calrissian.) Mon Calamri , Ree Yees , Mosep , X-wing Rebel Pilot , Empire Tie Pilot , Stand-in for various artistes.

An expert horseman and swordsman Richard has worked in the film industry for the past 30 years as an actor, swordsman , double , fight director and sword master.

In 2010 Richard Bonehill was crowned 2010 Veterans World Sabre Champion at the 14th World Veterans Fencing Championships which were held in Porec, Croatia in October. The event, the largest ever Veterans World Championships attracted 610 top class fencers – aged over 50 - from 34 countries. Richard who competed in the individual Sabre event fenced on the penultimate day of the five day championships. The ferocity of his attacks defeated top ranked fencers from America, Germany, France and Italy to progress to the World Championship Final against the top ranked American and former World Champion, Ray Sexton III.

Before the final Richard was presented with a commemorative diploma by Max Geuter the representative of The Fédération Internationale D’Escrime – the world governing body of fencing – to mark his ‘extraordinary achievement’ of representing Great Britain at 10 consecutive World Championships. Both Bonehill and Sexton have reputations as aggressive Sabreurs and at the start of the final each tried to force the other onto the defensive with fast attacks. At the one minute half time break Richard led by 5 hits to 4. In the second period of the bout Richard dominated the fight and commanded the piste denying Sexton a single hit. The final score was a decisive 10 - 4 victory to the Great Britain fencer. Richard (61) has won 44 championship titles in his fencing career. His previous best World Championship result was a bronze medal in 2008 in Lemoges. Commenting on his victory Richard said, “I am always extremely proud to be chosen to represent Great Britain and to stand on the winners podium at The World Championships, and watch the Union Flag being hoisted with the National Anthem playing is a unique emotional experience”.

By profession Richard is a sword master and fighting double for theatre, television and feature films. His career in films which has spanned over 30 years has seen him cross swords with many famous names. His credits include Highlander, Star Wars, Rob Roy, the Count of Monte Christo, the Man in the Iron Mask, and Sharp.