Mark Hamill just paid tribute with a heartfelt post of gratitude to honor the 80th birthday of George Lucas, the visionary genius who gifted the world with Star Wars.
In addition to Lucas's birthday, May is a Star Wars milestone for several reasons.
Every year, the Star Wars fandom celebrates Star Wars Day on May 4, a date phonetically similar to "May the force be with you," the iconic phrase delivered by Jedi masters.
May 19 also holds significance with the 25th anniversary of 1999's Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menacewhich experienced a record-setting re-release of the first prequel trilogy film on May 4 this year.
Also, May 25 is the anniversary of the release of Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope which introduced moviegoers to then-Hollywood newcomers, including Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford.
Most importantly, George Lucas was born in Modesto, California, on May 14, 1944, to parents Dorothy Ellinore Lucas and George Walton Lucas Sr.
He would go on to bring his vivid imagination to life as the creator and director of the 1977 space opera film Star Wars, which has become a pop cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
His Star Wars legacy includes three trilogy and spin-off films, TV series, video games, comics, novels, and interactive experiences with dedicated attractions at Disney parks around the world.
On the occasion of the filmmaker's birthday, Hamill, who originated the role of Luke Skywalker in the 1977 film that started it all, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, honored Lucas and noted the significant impact he had on the world and the actor's life.
Hamill took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
"For George: You changed the world."
"You changed modern cinema."
"And you changed my life..... FOREVER. -mh"
Included in his post was an emoji of a birthday cake, followed by thankful hands and heart emojis.
Accompanying the caption was a series of photos of Lucas throughout various stages of his life, including him as a young, aspiring filmmaker and as the accomplished director behind the camera during production of one of his films.
At first glance, fans mistook the news for a tragic one since Hamill didn't specifically mention it was Lucas's birthday.
But rest assured, he is alive and well and continues to thrive as a newly minted octogenarian.
Fans continued sharing how much of an impact George Lucas had in their lives.
@MarkHamill 100%. He created a myth and in the process influenced a generation to keep dreaming. I was in high school when we started designing the millennium falcon, for real, to build it when we grow up. That transformed into many ventures I was involved in and set my course for life. I\u2019ve\u2026— (@)
@MarkHamill #HappyBirthdayGeorgeLucas \nI've watched @starwars way too much so I have been told as I can mute the tv while the original trilogy films are on and quote the characters. \ud83d\ude09\nI watched American Graffiti 2 days ago via @tcm.\nAll #classicmovies ! \ud83d\udc9d\nhttps://t.co/MW6dPikTWc— (@)
Lucas is also known for creating, producing, and developing the story for the Indiana Jones franchise that starred Star Wars alum Harrison Ford as the titular character.
In addition to his illustrious career and founding his film company, Lucasfilm, and motion picture visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lucas is a revered philanthropist who has donated a portion of his proceeds from the 2012 Disney acquisition to various charities.
Happy birthday, George. You're the extraordinary gift that keeps on giving.
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