'Star Wars' stars: Where are they now?
A long time ago (1977, to be exact) "Star Wars" was released. With George Lucas celebrating his 69th birthday May 14, take a look at what the stars of the film up to today.
In 1977, a sci-fi action adventure named "Star Wars" was released. Not only did it go on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in history and win six Oscars, it spawned the careers of many of its stars. So what are the stars of the original trilogy up to today?
In 1977, a sci-fi action adventure named "Star Wars" was released. Not only did it go on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in history and win six Oscars, it spawned the careers of many of its stars. So what are the stars of the original trilogy up to today?
Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) continues to be of the biggest voiceover stars in the animation industry, and most recently, lent his vocal skills to shows like "Regular Show" and "Robot Chicken." His animation voice credits also include "Metapocalypse," "Batman" (as The Joker"), "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Justice League," "Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Superman." He also frequently does voice roles for video games and created "The Black Pearl" graphic novel.
Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) starred in the TV documentary "Wishful Drinking," based on her best-selling memoir. Fisher also voices a recurring role for the animated sitcom "Family Guy" and voiced Leia for the animated spoof "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II."
Harrison Ford (Han Solo) most recently starred in the Jackie Robinson biopic "42" and in the 2011 sci-fi Western "Cowboys & Aliens." In recent years, Ford has also starred in the romantic comedy "Morning Glory" and reprised his iconic role of Indiana Jones in 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," the fourth film in the series. His next film is the science-fiction action movie "Ender's Game," set for a Nov. 1, 2013, release.
George Lucas (writer-director) currently executive produces the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and wrote and produced the Tuskegee airman war film "Red Tails." He last wrote and produced "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," and before that, wrote and directed the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. He also made big news in October 2012 when he sold LucasFilm Ltd. to The Walt Disney Company.
David Prowse (Darth Vader) most recently starred in the British drama "The Kindness of Strangers." Prowse frequently appears at "Star Wars" fan conventions worldwide.
James Earl Jones (voice of Darth Vader) most recently voiced The Giant for the animated film "Jack and the Beanstalk" and made a guest-star appearance on the television drama "House." Apart from the original trilogy, Jones reprised the role of Darth Vader for the third "Star Wars" prequel, "Revenge of the Sith," in 2005. He was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009.
Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) provided the voice for the droid character in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" from 2008 through 2011. In addition to the second and third installments of the original trilogy, Daniels donned the suit, and provided the voice of, C-3PO, in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. He's also a frequent guest at "Star Wars" events worldwide.
Kenny Baker (R2-D2) most recently guest-stared in the British television series "Casualty." In addition to being at the controls inside R2-D2 in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, he was brought back to play the character again for the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. Baker frequently appears at "Star Wars" conventions worldwide.
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) appears yearly at Walt Disney World's "Star Wars Weekends" event and frequents fan conventions worldwide. After the original "Star Wars" trilogy, Mayhew was brought back to play Chewbacca for the "Star Wars" prequel, "Revenge of the Sith," in 2005.
Frank Oz (voice of Yoda, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") is currently voicing the character "Fungus" in the Pixar prequel "Monsters University," scheduled for release in 2013. The longtime Muppet star also voiced characters on "Sesame Street" from 1969-2008. Oz also reprised the voice of Yoda for all three films in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy and directed an episode of the TV show "Leverage" in 2011.
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") most recently had guest roles in "NCIS" and the USA Network drama "White Collar." He also spoofed Lando in a voice cameo for 2010's "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III."
Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine, "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi") appeared in the 2009 British television movie "Thatcher." McDiarmid reprised his role of Palpatine for the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy.
John Williams (composer) most recently composed the scores for director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," "The Adventures of Tintin" and "War Horse." Williams remains as one of the most prolific composers in film history, winning five Oscars out of 48 nominations, including a Best Original Score statuette for the first "Star Wars" film.
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, "Return of the Jedi") played Flitwick and Griphook in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2." Davis, who had a cameo role in the first "Star Wars" prequel, "The Phantom Menace," also starred as a fictionalized version of himself in the short-lived 2011 HBO series "Life's Too Short." He's recently had a cameo in a 2013 episode of "Doctor Who" and had a supporting role in the fantasy-adventure film "Jack the Giant Slayer."
Peter Cushing (Grand Moff Tarkin) died in 1994 at the age of 81.
Alec Guiness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) died in 2000 at 86.
The cast of "Star Wars" has frequently reunited over the years. Here, actor Harrison Ford and director George Lucas pose backstage at the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles Oct. 6, 2006.
