Happy 80th Birthday to George Lucas!

This May is a month of memorable occasions for Star Wars fans, from Star Wars Day on May the 4th and the record-setting re-release of Star Wars, Episode I:  The Phantom Menace on May 19 and the May 25 anniversary of the release of Star Wars, Episode IV:  A New Hope.

However on this May 14, let’s pause for another remarkable milestone. It was on this date in 1944 that George Lucas was born in Modesto, California, to Dorothy Ellinore Lucas and his namesake. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Film in 1967 and re-enrolled for graduate studies in Film Production the same year. He found work teaching documentary filmmaking to Navy students before directing a short film. Electronic Labyrinth:  THX-1138 4EB won him accolades as well as a scholarship to study at Warner Bros.

As much as he is known for his storytelling and directing, his leadership of and involvement with Industrial Light and Magic tied him forever to cinematic innovation and imagination.

I am here as a staunch Star Wars fan, but my appreciation for George Lucas began when my father introduced me to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was a fan of Lucas as a storyteller whose characters were, to quote Jabba the Hutt, “fearless and inventive.” Another of his characters, quoted in the 1976 novel that preceded Star Wars, put it better: 

"“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Naturally, they became heroes.”"

- Princess Leia

His characters seem to be inspired by aspects of his own life and personality. It’s said that American Graffiti was inspired by Lucas’ childhood in Modesto, and the drag-racing subplot of the challenge between John Milner and Bob Falfa calls to mind an aspect of his teenage years. George Lucas may never have flown the trench of the Death Star or threaded the Stone Needle at Beggar’s Canyon, but he was an avid racer who gave up his high-speed antics after a serious car crash.

He is also known for having a good sense of humor. The Official Star Wars Fan Film Awards encouraged short films, from documentaries to parodies, and always included a George Lucas Selects award. Such winners as Pitching George, Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager, and Pink Five show that he can take a joke made at his expense. He even allowed Family Guy to work with his material for comedic purposes.

Among his many philanthropic contributions are educational contributions. He donated over $100M to his alma mater to expand the film school, established the George Lucas Educational Foundation, and donated millions to After School Matters with his current wife, Mellody Hobson. He has also testified before the United States Congress to encourage broader educational opportunities through technology.

Finally, he is known for his relationship with his children. In a 2015 interview with Charlie Rose, he said that he wanted any obituary to mention a crucial thing about him:

"“I was a great dad — or I tried.”"

- George Lucas

There are photos of him on Star Wars sets with his daughter Amanda, but if you look for them, you can see Amanda, Katie, and Jett appearing in small roles throughout the Prequel Trilogy. Katie has followed in his steps too, penning several episodes of The Clone Wars, including some of the most crucial Asajj Ventress ones. He and Mellody most recently welcomed daughter Everest via surrogate.  He may be responsible for the most infamous father in film history, but he is a wonderful family man. 

Happy 80th, George!  May the Fourteenth be with you for many years to come.