Mark Hamill Reveals His Two Top ‘Star Wars’ Characters
Mark Hamill Reveals Surprising ‘Star Wars’ Favorites – And It’s Not Luke Skywalker
Most remember Mark Hamill as the hopeful Jedi Knight, Luke Skywalker, who ignited a galaxy far, far away. But the actor himself harbors a different appreciation for the characters within the iconic Star Wars universe, revealing a fondness for the franchise’s villains. Hamill shared his unexpected preferences during a recent appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” while promoting his voice work in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.”
From Jedi to Villains: A Career of Versatility
Hamill’s career has been anything but one-dimensional. Beyond the lightsaber and Force, he’s embraced a diverse range of roles, including voicing The Flying Dutchman in the upcoming animated film and tackling complex characters in Stephen King adaptations like “The Life of Chuck” and “The Long Walk.” He noted his wife considers “The Life of Chuck” his best work to date, praising its affirming message. This willingness to explore different facets of performance, he explained, stems from a deep appreciation for the nuances of acting – particularly the freedom to portray negative reactions.
“I’ve had a year where I did two Stephen King adaptations,” Hamill told hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. “I did ‘The Life of Chuck,’ which is very serious but life affirming… But then I did ‘The Long Walk,’ both by Stephen King, which shows what a versatile writer he is.”
It was Consuelos’ observation that “it’s fun to play a bad guy, right?” that prompted Hamill to reveal his Star Wars favorites. “I remember when I first read ‘Star Wars’ I said that after Han Solo, Darth Vader’s the best part,” Hamill confessed. He elaborated, explaining that villains offer actors a broader spectrum of emotional expression. “I love the villains because, you know, actors don’t always have to have a positive reaction. We just love reactions.”
The Allure of the Dark Side
Hamill’s affinity for villainous roles isn’t limited to a galaxy far, far away. He’s become a celebrated voice actor for some of the most iconic antagonists in pop culture, including The Joker in various Batman adaptations, Skeletor in “Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” Fire Lord Ozai in “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and Hobgoblin in “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” He even embodied The Trickster in multiple iterations of “The Flash.”
This penchant for playing the bad guy speaks to a broader trend in acting. A 2023 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that voice actors, in particular, often find greater longevity and creative freedom in portraying villainous characters, due to the demand for distinct and memorable performances in animation and video games. The industry, valued at over $16 billion globally in 2023, consistently seeks actors who can deliver compelling and nuanced portrayals of antagonists.
From Daytime Drama to Intergalactic Fame
Before becoming a Jedi, Hamill honed his craft in the often-overlooked world of daytime television. He revealed during the interview that he began his acting career appearing in soap operas, specifically “General Hospital” in the 1970s, playing the role of Kent Murray. He shared a connection with Consuelos, who also has roots in the soap opera genre.
While not a personal fan of the format, Hamill acknowledged the valuable training ground that soap operas provided. The fast-paced production schedule and demanding performance requirements instilled a discipline and adaptability that proved crucial as he transitioned to larger roles. “It was a great education in the world of entertainment,” he said, “and helped prepare me for everything else.”
The Enduring Legacy of a Versatile Performer
Mark Hamill’s career is a testament to the power of versatility and a willingness to embrace unexpected roles. From the heroism of Luke Skywalker to the chilling menace of The Joker, he has consistently captivated audiences with his talent and dedication. His recent revelations about his favorite Star Wars characters offer a glimpse into the mind of an actor who appreciates the complexities of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted villain. His continued success, spanning decades and genres, underscores the importance of adaptability in a constantly evolving entertainment landscape.
The actor’s upcoming role in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” promises another showcase of his vocal range and comedic timing, proving that even after achieving iconic status, Hamill remains committed to pushing creative boundaries and delighting audiences worldwide.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Jedi Master Luke Skywalker himself, or at least the actor who plays him on screen, has revealed his favorite characters from the “Star Wars” franchise. Mark Hamill was speaking on “Live with Kelly and Mark” to promote the upcoming “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” where he voices The Flying Dutchman and explained the two characters from the sci-fi series that he finds most interesting — and neither of them are the iconic Jedi that he played.
Mark Hamill Reveals Top 2 ‘Star Wars’ Characters
While appearing on the morning talk show with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Hamill discussed his recent film work and how it has been diverse, as it has included “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” alongside two Stephen King adaptations. It was here that he got into a discussion about the different types of characters he has played and how he loves to portray villains.
“I’ve had a year where I did two Stephen King adaptations,” Hamill told the hosts. “I did ‘The Life of Chuck,’ which is very serious but life affirming — By the way, my wife says that’s the favourite movie I’ve ever done in her opinion. But then I did ‘The Long Walk,’ both by Stephen King, which shows what a versatile writer he is.”
It was at this point that host Mark Consuelos noted that it’s “fun to play a bad guy, right?” to which Hamill quickly agreed and then responded by talking about the first time he got the chance to read the script for the first “Star Wars” film and what he thinks are the two top characters from the film.
Hamill says, “I remember when I first read ‘Star Wars’ I said that after Han Solo, Darth Vader’s the best part.”
“I love the villains because, you know, actors don’t always have to have a positive reaction. We just love reactions,” Hamill explains. He then compared this to his role in the SpongeBob movie saying, “If I do my job correctly, every child will hate my guts.”
Mark Hamill Got His Start on Sopa Operas
In the same interview, Hamill went on to reveal that he started out his acting career by appearing in daytime soap operas. Noting the similarities between he and Consuelos in their early careers, he spoke about his time starring as Kent Murray on “General Hospital” back in the ’70s.
He went on to say that while he was never a fan of soap operas himself, it provided a great education in the world of entertainment and helped prepare him for his other roles he would have later in his career.
Considering his love for villains, it might not be all that surprising to learn that Hamill has portrayed a number of bad guys in films and television series. Of course, his most memorable role other than Luke Skywalker is likely his voice acting for The Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series” along with many spin-offs and other “Batman” adaptations.
However, he has also lent his voice to Skeletor in “Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” Fire Lord Ozai in “Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Hobgoblin in “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” in addition to live-action roles such as The Trickster in various incarnations of “The Flash.”