Mark Hamill credits the late Carrie Fisher, not Yoda, as the guiding force behind his journey. Reflecting on the years since the original “Star Wars” premiered, Hamill recalls how Fisher helped him navigate sudden fame. “Carrie was always a few steps ahead of me,” Hamill said. “She said: ‘I’m Princess Leia. You’re always going to be Luke Skywalker. Get over yourself!’”
Now 73, Hamill embraces aging with a sense of freedom. “What I love about aging is that you can say, ‘Who cares?’ The answer is nobody,” he said. “It’s easier to get over things and enjoy your life. You’ve earned the right to be the way you want to be.” He also expressed gratitude for what life has given him, noting that the longer you live, the more you appreciate what you have.
Hamill is currently receiving early Oscar buzz for his new film, “The Life of Chuck,” which opens in theaters on June 13. Based on a Stephen King novella, the film tells the story of an ordinary man through three chapters told in reverse order. It premiered last fall at the Toronto Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award.
Off-screen, Hamill lives near Los Angeles with his wife, Marilou, and their three grown children. Reflecting on his career and life, Hamill shared that “The Life of Chuck” deeply resonated with him. The film explores the idea that every person carries a universe of memories and emotions, and that small moments in life become the brightest stars in our memories.
Growing up as one of seven children of a U.S. Navy captain, Hamill spent part of his childhood in Japan. He recalled begging his father to take him to New York, where he was fascinated by Broadway shows and the actors behind the scenes. This passion led him to acting, despite his parents’ initial doubts. “They said, ‘Are you out of your mind? We don’t know anybody in show business!’” Hamill said. He was advised to pursue a teaching degree instead, but he followed his dream.
Hamill called playing Luke Skywalker at different ages across the “Star Wars” saga a gift. “It’s healthy for people to see the natural process of aging,” he said. “It proves that life goes on and the years are a gift.” He noted that aging sneaks up on you, and despite physical changes, you feel the same inside.
On the enduring appeal of “Star Wars,” Hamill said the films inspire hope by showing good triumphing over evil. Luke’s choice to reject power and stand up to his father teaches devotion to causes beyond oneself.
On relationships, Hamill stressed acceptance. Married to Marilou since 1978, he said, “Life will give you all kinds of challenges. It’s better to find someone who says, ‘Let’s just sit down and figure this out.’” Family has always been his priority, and he reflected on how quickly the years with children pass, which is why they stayed close.
Finally, Hamill encouraged staying observant and learning from others, including younger generations. “I want to learn from them. It’s never too late,” he said.
