1 of 14 2 of 14 3 of 14 4 of 14 5 of 14 6 of 14 7 of 14 8 of 14 9 of 14 10 of 14 11 of 14 12 of 14 13 of 14 14 of 14
Actor Mark Hamill, who rocketed to stardom as Luke Skywalker in ``Star Wars,'' got a star of his own today when he was immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of scores of fans, some of whom waited hours to catch a glimpse of him.
Hamill last August had a street named after him in the San Diego community of Clairemont where he attended Hale Junior High School during a period in the 60's.
``You are with me through thick and thin and the highs and the lows and everywhere in between,'' Hamill told the cheering crowd during his speech. ``If it weren't for the public, I'd be nowhere. From Jedi to Joker and back again, it's been a fantastic ride. Thank you so much, and may the force be with each and every one of you.
''Hamill, who lends his voice to the villainous Joker in animated ``Batman'' and ``Justice League'' shows, punctuated his comments with a cackling Joker laugh.
Actor Harrison Ford, who portrayed Han Solo in four ``Star Wars'' films, and the franchise's creator, George Lucas, were among those on hand to pay tribute to the 66-year-old Hamill at the ceremony in front of the Disney-owned El Capitan Theatre. The event came 19 days before the latest entry in the franchise, ``Star Wars: The Last Jedi,'' is released on digital and Blu-ray.
``Mark is a friend that I don't see very often,'' Ford said. ``Our lives have diverged to a certain extent but I am very pleased for him. He has been the master of his own experience, his own life. And he is as he always was -- a quiet, sincere, honest person. He's not a grandstander and I think he has found comfort and utility and control of his destiny, and I'm happy for you pal.
''While accepting the honor, Hamill told the crowd, ``Words truly fail me. It's hard to convey my gratitude, my joy, the exhilaration of being recognized this way.''
He joked, ``I haven't been this speechless since `Force Awakens,''' referencing the ``Star Wars'' sequel in which he briefly appeared but did not speak.Hamill also hailed Lucas, noting if it ``weren't for the genius of George Lucas, I wouldn't be standing here today.'' He also said he knew while working with Ford that he was in the ``presence of greatness,'' and that Ford was ``one of the best actors in film history.''
``He also gave me the great advice: `Hey kid, don't get cocky.'''
``Star Wars'' was Hamill's first feature film. He was discovered in a workshop musical comedy called ``Anthems in E-Flat Calliope'' the summer before starting college at Los Angeles City College.
Hamill made his television debut in a 1970 episode of the short-lived CBS comedy-drama ``Headmaster.'' His later television credits included episodes of ``The Partridge Family,'' ``Night Gallery'' ``Cannon,'' ``The Bill Cosby Show,'' ``Room 222'' and ``Lucas Tanner.''Hamill was a cast member of the comedy ``The Texas Wheelers,'' which was dropped from ABC's schedule after four episodes in 1974.
Hamill's other film credits include ``Corvette Summer,'' ``The Big Red One'' and ``Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.'' His Broadway credits include ``The Elephant Man'' and ``Amadeus.''
Hamill has been a prolific voiceover artist in animated series and video games, including as the Joker in ``Batman'' and ``Justice League'' projects.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Source: CNS