Every May 14th Star Wars fans celebrate the birth of the godfather. No, not the film, but the creator. “Thank the maker” as C3PO proclaims in Episode 4. Today George Lucas celebrates his 63rd Birthday.
Since his birth in 1944 in California, where one of his early ambitions was to be a race car driver, Lucas has made great leaps for film making. Many fans wonder what would have happened if that accident just before graduation had claimed George’s life, but that’s not something to really dwell on.
George survived and went on to make some very good films. American Graffiti, THX1138, and of course that great 6 film saga that is Star Wars. Not just that but also founding Skywalker Sound and Industrial Light and Magic. Lucas has given so much to cinema in his 63 years, but still has yet to receive an Oscar, or indeed any awards save for The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1992.
So, a mere 11 days before Star Wars fans sit down to watch at least a New Hope for the 30th anniversary, or maybe even look in awe around Celebration IV, we celebrate George Lucas’ birth.
Happy birthday Mr. Lucas, May The Force Be With You.
