Several actors gained significant recognition and career breakthroughs following their roles in the “Star Wars” franchise. Here are some notable examples:
- Harrison Ford (Han Solo): While Ford had acted in a few films prior to “Star Wars,” his role as Han Solo in the original trilogy catapulted him to stardom. He went on to have a highly successful career, including iconic roles in the “Indiana Jones” series and “Blade Runner.”
- Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker): Although Mark Hamill had worked in television prior to “Star Wars,” his portrayal of Luke Skywalker made him a household name. Post-“Star Wars,” he has had a prolific career in voice acting, most notably as the voice of the Joker in various “Batman” animated series and video games.
- Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia): Carrie Fisher was relatively unknown before she played Princess Leia. After “Star Wars,” she continued acting in films and television, became a successful writer and script doctor, and was a well-known advocate for mental health.
- Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala): Natalie Portman’s role as Padmé Amidala in the prequel trilogy boosted her career significantly. She was already on the rise following her debut in “Léon: The Professional” but gained wider recognition through “Star Wars.” She later won an Academy Award for her performance in “Black Swan.”
- Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi): McGregor was known in the UK and had starred in several films, but his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy greatly increased his international fame. He has since had a varied career in both mainstream and indie films.
- Daisy Ridley (Rey): Prior to being cast as Rey in the sequel trilogy, Daisy Ridley had only a few minor television roles. “Star Wars” launched her into international fame, leading to roles in other major films.
- John Boyega (Finn): Similar to Ridley, John Boyega’s role as Finn in the sequel trilogy was a significant breakthrough. He had previously gained attention for his role in the film “Attack the Block,” but “Star Wars” brought him global recognition.
- Adam Driver (Kylo Ren): While Adam Driver had already made a name for himself in the TV series “Girls” and had roles in several films, his portrayal of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy brought him widespread fame and led to roles in critically acclaimed films like “Marriage Story” and “BlacKkKlansman.”
These actors’ careers were profoundly influenced by their involvement in the “Star Wars” series, showcasing the franchise’s impact on the entertainment industry.
Image: Starwars.com
