Ken Nightingall, ‘Star Wars’ veteran boom operator, dies at 92

Ken Nightingall, a veteran boom operator better known as the ‘pink shorts guy’ of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 92.

The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS), while confirming his death, said the behind-scene star breathed his last on Tuesday while at his home in the UK.

“Sadly, Ken Nightingall passed away last night. Ken was a boom operator, he worked on multiple Bond films and was the famous ‘pink shorts’ boom op on original Star Wars.” it wrote.

In 2015, Nigtinghall had gained traction for being the boom operator in Hollywood who stood out from the stars and TV crew because he was shirtless and wearing a small pair of pink shorts.

Sadly, Ken Nightingall passed away last night. Ken was a boom operator, he worked on multiple #Bond films and was the famous “pink shorts” boom op on original #StarWars.
Other credits include Alfie, Funeral in Berlin, The Boys from Brazil and Supergirl. He was a legend! pic.twitter.com/8Sv6ArRecZ

— AMPS (@AMPS_UK) May 20, 2020

Aside from ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, he has worked on Michael Caine films, ‘Alfie’ and ‘Funeral in Berlin’, alongside four Bond films including ‘For Your Eyes Only’ and ‘The Living Daylights’.

“‘Legend’ is the word that springs to mind when I try to describe him,” said Chris Munro, Oscar-winning sound mixer, who paid tributes to the late boom operator.

“I first met Ken when I entered the industry over 50 years ago. He was immensely supportive as I carved my early career as a young sound mixer.

“He will be sadly missed by our film community but his is a life and career that should be celebrated. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”