It is always wonderful to see celebrities show appreciation to those who helped them along the way during the early part of their career. For someone like Mark Hamill, there is, perhaps, no bigger influence on his career than the man who cast him in a “moderately successful” space film in 1977, George Lucas.That “moderately successful” film, of course, was Star Wars, a movie that became a worldwide phenomenon. Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker became a fan favorite throughout the three original trilogy movies. While it is fair to say that Hamill probably would have been successful regardless, having the rub from a movie series such as Star Wars could only enhance anyone’s career.So it’s no surprise that Hamill took the opportunity to give George Lucas praise in a recent tweet. Every May, Hamill writes one tweet each day where he puns off of “May the Force with you” such as this tweet on May 2 where he wrote “May The Second You Get Home Call So I Don’t Worry.”On the 14th, Hamill tweeted out a tribute to Star Wars creator George Lucas.

Lucas’ creation has become a worldwide sensation with eleven movies and several successful television shows. Although Lucas himself has not been involved with Star Wars for years, the property would not exist without his visionary direction. And the people who worked on the movies have certainly benefited from the production.

More, Lucasfilm and Industrial Light and Magic, both companies that would not exist without Lucas’ vision, have become staples in Hollywood. ILM has provided special effects for many movies over the years, and they continue to be the standard for special effects to this day. Lucasfilm, which is now a Disney company, of course, was responsible for such properties as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the fifth movie of which is coming soon.

Mark Hamill Has Had a Long and Successful Career

Luke Skywalker is probably his best known role, but Hamill has had a long and full career since completing work on the original Star Wars trilogy. Now with over 350 acting credits, Hamill’s career is still going strong 45 years after appearing in Star Wars.

Although he had a number of credits prior to Star Wars, there is no question that the wild popularity of the original trilogy helped to truly launch his career to a new level. While he might not have quite as successful a career as his co-star, Harrison Ford, Hamill nonetheless leveraged his popularity from Star Wars into a lengthy career, including transitioning into an incredible career as a voice artist.

His biggest role besides Luke Skywalker, of course, came when he was cast as the Joker for Batman: the Animated Series opposite Kevin Conroy’s Batman. For many, Hamill’s Joker is the definitive Joker, even above Heath Ledger’s. Hamill reprised his role as the Joker in many other productions.

But Hamill still might not have been quite so successful without George Lucas casting him as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. And so, it is good to see Hamill still being grateful for Lucas’ vision.