Mark Hamill Reflects on Carrie Fisher’s Advice to Embrace His Fame

Los Angeles, CA — In a recent interview on NPR‘s “Fresh Air,” actor Mark Hamill shared how late co-star Carrie Fisher encouraged him to embrace his iconic role as Luke Skywalker from the “Star Wars” franchise. This conversation unfolded during a Broadway performance in the 1980s, at a time when Hamill was trying to distance himself from his past fame.

Hamill, now 73, recalled that Fisher came to see his Broadway show and noticed a detail in his playbill biography. “I listed all my theater credits and at the end it said, ‘He’s also known for a series of popular space movies,'” he said. Fisher immediately questioned him, asking, “What’s the deal? How come you don’t mention ‘Star Wars’?”

Hamill explained that he wanted to highlight his theater background. “I said, ‘Well, I want to show that I have a resume that includes extensive theater credits.'” In a characteristically straightforward manner, Fisher replied, “Hey, get over yourself. You’re Luke Skywalker. I’m Princess Leia. Embrace it.”

Hamill reflected on how this moment shifted his perspective. He stated, “I kind of saw what she meant…because you say to yourself, ‘What territory do I occupy that no one else does?’” Her encouragement helped him accept his unique position in pop culture.

Although Hamill appreciates his time in the franchise, he has no intentions of returning to the character. “I had my time. I’m appreciative of that, but I think they should focus on the future and all the new characters,” he said.

Aside from his legacy as Luke Skywalker, Hamill has established a diverse career. He is known for voicing The Joker in various Batman projects and has recently starred in Mike Flanagan‘s adaptation of Stephen King‘s “The Life of Chuck,” which opens in theaters on June 6.