‘Star Wars’ Actor Mark Hamill Spent Day Out In Character As Luke Skywalker With Terminally Ill Boy

Jun 06, 2023 by apost team

Mark Hamill is an actor, voice actor and writer who has starred in a number of films and television shows. His most famous role was in the extremely successful movie franchise, “Star Wars.” Hamill played one of the main characters, Luke Skywalker, in the saga that spawned a number of films and spin-offs.

Hamill was born on Sept. 25, 1951, in Oakland, California. Because Hamill’s father was in the Navy, the family moved around a lot throughout his childhood. After graduating in 1969, he enrolled at Los Angeles City College in California, where he majored in drama.

Success seemed to come quite quickly for Hamill. He seamlessly made his way through roles in television, films and even Broadway. Hamill got his start as an actor through a recurring role on the popular soap opera “General Hospital.” He appeared in guest roles in a few other shows and television movies. Hamill later auditioned for the role of Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars,” catapulting his career. The film, directed by George Lucas, was released in May 1977 and instantly gained unexpected success. It had a huge impact on the film industry, launching a series of follow-up movies in the franchise.

The actor worked on a few projects related to his role, including work as a voice actor for an episode of the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Hamill continues to strive to keep his career moving forward, excited about the continuous opportunities in front of him. While big roles haven’t always come as easily as when he was first starting out, Hamill has grown to appreciate the lifelong career he’s been able to maintain. 

His iconic portrayal of Skywalker has also enabled him to touch the hearts of fans worldwide, including one very special boy battling a debilitating disease.

In December 2017, during a period when it seemed the news was filled with negativity and despair, screenwriter Ed Solomon decided to inject some joy into the world by sharing a beautiful experience involving Hamill. In a series of tweets, Solomon recounted how he helped his friend, Joe Sikorra, whose son had been diagnosed with a fatal, degenerative condition called Batten disease. Batten disease affects the nervous system and results in complete loss of vision, motor and cognitive control, as well as seizures. 

Joe’s son, John Sikorra, was diagnosed with the disease at 7 years old. Despite his condition worsening and his memory beginning to fail, Joe told Today he never forgot his love for “Star Wars,” which he adored and was obsessed with as a child.

“I think he identified with the whole idea of the fight between good and evil, courage and despair,” Joe said. 

When John was a young teenager, he asked his father if he could meet the famed Luke Skywalker. Unsure of what to do but unwilling to disappoint his terminally ill son, Joe reached out to his only connection to the entertainment world, Solomon. Solomon said he approached Hamill’s agent with the request but with the awareness that getting any response would be a long shot.

“I called his agent and explained that this lovely boy watched ‘Star Wars’ every day and wanted to meet NOT Mark Hammill (sic), but, rather, the actual CHARACTER that he played,” Solomon recounted in his tweets. “The agent begrudgingly said he'd call Mark, but also said not to get my hopes up. 90 seconds later I got a call from @HamillHimself, who immediately said yes and gave me his home address.”

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The meeting between Hamill and John took place in Malibu Park. Dressed as Skywalker and staying in character throughout, Hamill spent hours with John, answering every question he had. 

“At that point, John couldn't distinguish between the actor and the character,” Joe told Today. “Mark answered all John's questions about Princess Leia and spaceships, and he was just very, very kind.” Joe also told The Hollywood Reporter Hamill was “super patient and kind.” 

“It was was one of those beautiful experiences. It is very humbling, this disease. You have got to let go of your normal expectations for you and your kids and family. In the midst of struggle and tragedy, it was those points of connection that makes you feel loved and less isolated. Mark was very kind, ‘no rush, my time is your time,’” he continued. 

Solomon tweeted:

“He not only met with the boy, but spent hours answering question after question (sometimes the same ones repeatedly), AS 'Luke.' Even posting this now makes me teary. He was compassionate, kind, and patient. And it literally meant the world to this kid and his family.”

In 2014, John passed away at the age of 24. Joe said their family would forever treasure memories of the day Hamill spent with John.

“It was one of those very touching, moving things,” he said. “And in that moment, it raised John up and made him feel good and important and loved.” 

Meanwhile, Hamill responded to Solomon’s tweets and said he, too, was touched by their story:

“There's no sweeter sound than a child laughing—I've been so lucky—feel it's my duty 2 give back in any way I can—Much prefer visits 2 hospitals than talk-shows Heartbreaking but inspirational—makes my career seem trivial in comparison—Wish I could do more❤️”

How beautiful was Mark Hamill’s gesture for John and the Sikarro family? If this story moved you, be sure to pass this along to all the “Star Wars” fans you know!