Oola (Star Wars): History, Actor Femi Taylor, and Autograph Guide

Discover the history of Oola from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi! Learn about actress Femi Taylor, the character’s legacy, and how to acquire Oola autographs.

 

Femi Taylor Autographs Star Wars Oola

 

 

Oola (Star Wars): History, Actor Femi Taylor, and Autograph Guide

When moviegoers first stepped into Jabba the Hutt’s palace in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), one of the most unforgettable figures was Oola. The green-skinned Twi’lek dancer chained to the crime lord’s throne. Though her screen time was brief, Oola left a lasting mark on Star Wars lore. Introducing audiences to the Twi’lek species and delivering one of the original trilogy’s most memorable—and tragic—character arcs.

For autograph collectors, Oola holds a special place in Star Wars memorabilia history. Played by British dancer and actress Femi Taylor, signed items featuring Oola are prized additions to any original trilogy autograph collection.

Who is Oola in Star Wars?

The Origins of Jabba’s Twi’lek Dancer

Oola was a green-skinned female Twi’lek from the planet Ryloth. Lured away from her homeworld under false promises of fame and luxury as a performer. Also, she was delivered directly into the hands of Jabba the Hutt by his major-domo, Bib Fortuna.

Instead of performing on grand galactic stages, Oola was kept on a literal chain as Jabba’s slave dancer. Despite her captivity, Oola’s final moment in Return of the Jedi was one of heroic defiance: when Jabba pulled her chain and tried to force himself on her, she resisted. Outraged by her disobedience, Jabba dropped her through a trapdoor into the pit beneath his throne. Also, where she met her end at the hands of the ferocious Rancor monster.

Why Oola Matters to Star Wars Lore

• First Twi’lek Introduced: Oola, the very first Twi’lek ever seen on screen. Establishing the iconic design of head-tails (lekku) that would go on to feature characters like Hera Syndulla, Aayla Secura, and Bib Fortuna.
• Symbol of Resistance: Her refusal to bow to Jabba’s cruelty set the tone for the dark atmosphere inside the palace before Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian took down the syndicate.

 

The Actress Behind Oola: Femi Taylor

Filming Return of the Jedi (1983)

Oola was portrayed by Femi Taylor, an accomplished Nigerian-born British dancer and actress who was performing in the original West End production of Cats when she was cast. Taylor performed all of her own stunts and complex dance moves under heavy green body paint, prosthetic head-tails (lekku), and minimal costume.

The 1997 Special Edition Record Break

In 1997, George Lucas re-released Return of the Jedi as part of the Star Wars Special Edition trilogy update. Additionally, Lucas wanted to expand Oola’s death scene in the Rancor pit. Remarkably, Femi Taylor was the only original actor brought back 14 years later to film new footage. Because she had maintained her physical dance training. Futhermore, she fit into her original costume seamlessly, making the new shots virtually indistinguishable from the 1983 footage.

Collecting Oola Autographs: What You Need to Know

For collectors visiting conventions or acquiring certified autographs through signature services, Femi Taylor’s signature is a cornerstone piece for Jabba’s Palace display boards and multi-signed cast posters.

Common Oola Autograph Items

• Official Pix & Topps Trading Cards: Certified pack-pulled autograph cards featuring Femi Taylor as Oola.
• 8×10 & 11×14 Photos: Shots of Oola dancing before Jabba’s throne, photos of her with Bib Fortuna, or close-up portraits showing her iconic costume and lekku.
• Custom Posters & Multi-Signed Pieces: Often signed alongside actors like Michael Carter (Bib Fortuna). Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar / Salacious Crumb), or Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia).

Authenticity Tips

Femi Taylor regularly signs at comic conventions around the world. When purchasing secondary market autographs online:

1. Look for Third-Party Authentication (TPA) from reputable certifiers, double check the signature as some big named TPA’s have made many mistakes.
2. Verify convention witness holofoils (such as Official Pix or Star Wars Authenticated seals).

 

Related Questions About Oola

 

Who played the green dancer in Star Wars?

The green Twi’lek dancer Oola was played by British dancer and actress Femi Taylor in Return of the Jedi (1983) and its 1997 Special Edition.

 

What happened to Oola in Return of the Jedi?

After Oola refused Jabba the Hutt’s advances and pulled back on her chain. Jabba triggered a trapdoor beneath her feet, dropping her into the dark pit below his palace, where she was eaten by his pet Rancor.

 

Is Oola in the Star Wars Special Edition?

Yes. In the 1997 Special Edition of Return of the Jedi, George Lucas added new shot angles of Oola trapped in the Rancor pit. Femi Taylor returned to reprise her role and film the extra scenes 14 years after the original movie was shot.

 

What species was Oola in Star Wars?

Oola was a Twi’lek, a species humanoid in shape distinguished by their colorful skin hues and twin tentacle-like head appendages called Star Wars franchise.