Ian McDiarmi (born August 11, 1944) is a Scottish Tony Award-winning actor and theatre director. He has had a successful career in theatre; he has been cast in many plays, while occasionally directing others. Although McDiarmid has appeared mostly in theatrical productions, he has also accepted roles in theatrical films and TV movies. Worldwide, he is most famous for his role as Palpatine/The Emperor in both the original and prequel Star Wars trilogies.