Star Wars Icon Mark Hamill Celebrates His Birthday

As Luke Skywalker, he saved the galaxy from tyrannical rule. As The Joker, he cut a swathe of death and destruction. And now, Mark Hamill – actor, voice-over maestro, and writer – is taking on an equally important part… birthday boy.

Happy Birthday, Mark Hamill!

And that’s because he was born on September 25, 1951, in Oakland, California, which means that this talented multi-hyphen is turning 69 years old today! Hamill made his acting debut in 1970, in an episode of the Andy Griffith-starring dramedy Headmaster.

Subsequently, he guest-starred on series such as The Bill Cosby Show, The Partridge Family, Cannon, The F.B.I., and Night Gallery. Between 1972 and 1973, Hamill had a recurring role on General Hospital.

Hamill continued to work in television throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, but it would be his role of Luke Skywalker, in the film Star Wars (Episode IV – A New Hope), that would make him a household name.

Between the wrap on that picture and the commencement of work on its sequel—eventually titled Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back—Hamill sought work in features such as Corvette Summer and The Big Red One.

After completing the third film in the franchise—1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi – Hamill turned his attention to theatrical productions (after having a short, successful run in the 1979 Broadway production of The Elephant Man).

Among his many stage triumphs was the title role in Amadeus, a co-starring role in Harrigan ‘N Hart, and main roles in Room Service and The Nerd. Hamill also returned to the small screen with roles in genre fare such as Amazing Stories, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Earth Angel.

In 1991, he appeared in two episodes of the superhero series The Flash where he played the villainous Trickster. One year later, he garnered a loyal fan base after giving voice to Batman’s arch-nemesis, The Joker.

His work in the realm of voice acting—which he had dabbled in on and off since 1977—provided Hamill with a whole host of acting opportunities. Since the early ’90s, he has worked on countless animated films, series, and video games. Among the many are Spiderman (Hobgoblin), Fantastic Four, Ultimate Spider-Man, Joseph: King of Dreams. Futurama: Bender’s Big Score, and the Gabriel Knight series.

Hamill’s other acting credits include three more Star Wars installments—The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker—and series such as Chuck, Criminal Minds, and The Neighbors.

Hamill has been married to Marilou York since December 17, 1978. The couple has since welcomed three children: Nathan Elias (born June 1979), Griffin Tobias (born March 1983), and Chelsea Elizabeth (born July 1988).

Entertainment Hub would like to wish Mark Hamill a very happy birthday.