What we know about his character

Update May 15, 1998
This bio came from the Star Wars Episode 1 Movie Book.

    Brave and resourceful, Captain Panaka is the head of Amidala’s Royal Security Forces. Often referred to as "the quickest eyes on Naboo," Captain Panaka is powerfully built and completely dedicated to the safety of his Queen. He never fails to catch the detail that might make the difference between success and failure in any security plan. Although he trained his forces to the best of their abilities, Panaka knows their number is no match for the Trade Federation’s assault on their peaceful planet. In fact, he is only a captain because the Naboo Royal Security Forces are so small that there is no need for extensive rank organization.

Description of Ric Olie and Captain Panaka 509 x 673 113 k

The dashing Captain Panaka is one of the Queen's most able and valued soldiers. He has also trained Queen Amidala and her hand maidens for combat.

About Hugh Quarshie

Born in Ghana, Quarshie now lives in England where he studies politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford, while also acting as co-director of the Oxford and Cambridge Shakespeare Company. After graduating from Oxford, he worked as a journalist, even as he was pursuing an acting career, eventually turning his theater experience into film work on such movies as Nightbreed, Highlander and The Dogs of War. When asked about working with the original Star Wars creator as his director on Episode 1, Quarshie says, "George gives minimal direction. I think he figures, ‘He, I’ve cast good actors. Leave the acting to them."
    Internet Movie Database' Filmography of Hugh Quarshie
  • Star Wars: Episode I (1999)
  • "Respectable Trade, A" (1998) (mini) TV Series .... Caesar Peters
  • "Melissa" (1997) TV Series .... George
  • Solomon & Sheba (1995) (TV) .... Nikaule's Father
  • MacGyver: Lost Treasure of Atlantis (1994) (TV) .... Inspector Rhodes
  • "Medics" (1992) TV Series .... Tom Carey
  • Nightbreed (1990) .... Detective Joyce
  • Behaving Badly (1988) (TV) .... Daniel
  • Chiesa, La (1988) .... Father Gus
    ... aka Demons 3 (1988)
    ... aka Church, The (1988)
    ... aka Demon Cathedral (1988)
    ... aka In the Land of the Demons (1988)
    ... aka Cathedral of Demons (1988)
  • Highlander (1986) .... Sunda Kastagir
  • Titus Andronicus (1985) (TV) .... Aaron
    ... aka BBC Television Shakespeare: Titus Andronicus (1985) (TV)
  • Baby... Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) .... Kenge Obe
    ... aka Dinosaur... Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) (TV title)
  • Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1981) (TV) .... Philostrate
    ... aka BBC Television Shakespeare: Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1981) (TV)
    Dogs of War, The (1980) .... Zangaron Officer