© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Actor Who Voiced: 'It's A Trap,' Famous 'Star Wars' Line, Dies

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Good morning. I am Renee Montagne. Admiral Ackbar, the fish-looking creature with a domed head from "Return of the Jedi," endeared himself to "Star Wars" fans with a single line.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "STAR WARS: EPISODE VI - RETURN OF THE JEDI")

ERIK BAUERSFELD: (As Ackbar) It's a trap.

MONTAGNE: It's a trap has become one of the original trilogy's most-remembered lines and brought years of fan mail to Erik Bauersfeld, the voice actor who played Ackbar. This week, he passed away at 93, leaving behind a beloved meme. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.