Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid Profile Photo

Characters played by Ian McDiarmid

Dr. Lancaster — Sleepy Hollow (1999)

The village doctor and one of the town elders who participates in the effort to undermine Ichabod. He is present when the elders turn against one another after the conspiracy begins to unravel, and he is killed during the violent collapse of the meeting.

Darth Sidious / Emperor Palpatine — Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)

The leader of the new Galactic Empire who issues Order 66 to force clones to execute the Jedi. His secret cloning project, Project Necromancer, is also mentioned.

Emperor Palpatine — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Resurrected Sith Lord, final antagonist of the saga

Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious — Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Sith Lord who manipulates the galaxy into war

Emperor (Special Edition) — The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Portrayal in special edition release

The Emperor — Return of the Jedi (1983)

Sith Lord, ruler of the Galactic Empire

Senator Palpatine — Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Senator from Naboo who becomes Emperor

Chancellor Palpatine — Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Supreme Chancellor who becomes Emperor

King Pellenor — Britannia (2018)

King of the Cantii tribe and father of Kerra and Phelan. He fails to prepare his people for the Roman invasion, relying instead on vague Druidic guidance. Enraged by Kerra's independent diplomatic actions, he orders her to be judged by the Druids.

Arthur — Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Lawrence's loyal manservant who assists him in his operations in Beaumont-sur-Mer.

Brother Jacopus — Dragonslayer (1981)

Brother Jacopus is the village priest who leads his congregation against the dragon after it escapes its lair and causes an earthquake. He denounces the creature as the Devil, but the dragon incinerates him before continuing toward Swanscombe. His death shows the failure of the villagers' immediate religious challenge.

Dr. Eli Eon — Annie: A Royal Adventure (1995)

Eccentric scientist accompanying Annie and Warbucks on their British adventure.

Career Overview

Ian McDiarmid has 50 screen credits in a career dating back to 1976. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Star Wars with 6 titles. Signature works include Sleepy Hollow, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
50
Birth Date
1944-08-11
Birth Place
Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 3 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q315495), public domain (CC0).