Mark Hamill bags Hollywood star, with no wars required

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"Star Wars" legend Mark Hamill was immortalized on Hollywood's iconic Walk of Fame Thursday in front of scores of fans, some of whom had waited hours in order to get a glimpse of the actor.

The 66-year-old Californian has also appeared in some 70 movies which were nothing to do with Lucasfilm's space opera, not to mention almost 200 TV shows, but will always be known as the ingenue farm boy turned pan-galactic lightsaber-wielding hero Luke Skywalker.

"You are with me through thick and thin and the highs and the lows and everywhere in between," Hamill told the cheering crowd as he collected his star. "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."

General atmosphere during the ceremony honoring actor Mark Hamill with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 8, 2018. /AFP Photo

Hamill, who lends his voice to the villainous Joker in animated "Batman" and "Justice League" shows, punctuated his comments with a cackling Joker laugh. He paid tribute to his fans after the ceremony, telling AFP he would never get used to the acclaim, nor take it for granted. "They are the most passionate, loyal people. They are with you in career highs and career lows," he said.

'Don't get cocky'

Harrison Ford, who portrayed fugitive smuggler and all-round charmer Han Solo in four "Star Wars" films, was among those on hand to pay tribute to Hamill, along with "Star Wars" creator George Lucas.

"Mark is a friend that I don't see very often. 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," Ford said. "And he is as he always was -- a quiet, sincere, honest person. He's not a grandstander and I think he has found comfort, utility and control of his destiny, and I'm happy for you pal."

Actor Mark Hamill and his wife, Marilou York, attend the ceremony honoring Hamill with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. /AFP Photo‍

As he accepted his star, Hamill told the crowd he was struggling to convey the depth of his gratitude. "I haven't been this speechless since 'Force Awakens,'" he joked in a nod to the first episode of the sequel trilogy in which he briefly appeared but said nothing.

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,'" he added.

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Source(s): AFP