Star Wars: Family Connections

Can you believe it’s been nearly 40 years since George Lucas first introduced Star Wars to the world? First released on May 25, 1977, few would have expected the film to become a worldwide phenomenon. Today, it would be hard to find someone who has not heard of the movies.

This week, the iconic film franchise returns to the big screen to the great anticipation and delight of young and older generations with the latest installment, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Taking the helm from George Lucas is director J.J. Abrams, who will introduce the Star Wars epic tale to a new generation of viewers.

At the heart of the Star Wars saga is the Skywalker family and the significant roles they play in a galaxy far, far away. Cast as hero Luke Skywalker was Mark Hamill, then known for his guest appearances on television. Carrie Fisher, daughter of famous acting parents Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, was cast as Princess Leia, later revealed to be the twin sister of Luke. Rounding out the trio was Harrison Ford as Han Solo, who was working as a carpenter at the time. After the first movie premiered, the three instantly became international stars and cemented their place in pop culture history.

In honor of the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we took a look at the real family connections within the Star Wars cast. It’s interesting to see that Star Wars has always been a bit of a family affair!

Perhaps the most well known family connection is that of Ewan McGregor, who played a young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels. His uncle, Denis Lawson, played X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy. When he asked his famous uncle for advice about whether he should pursue the role made famous by Alec Guinness, Lawson told him, “If you want to have a career after 30, don’t do it.” Luckily for McGregor he didn’t listen!

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher may have played twins Luke and Leia, but we bet they didn’t know that they shared a real family connection too. The Skywalker siblings are also 17th cousins twice removed!

And these aren’t the only family ties. Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, will be making her entry into the Star Wars universe with a small role in The Force Awakens alongside her mother. However, she’s not the first child of the original trilogy’s stars to join the films. Mark Hamill’s son, Nathan, once made an appearance in the prequel Star Wars: Episode I – Phantom Menace. Did you know his son was born during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back? Despite being up all night, Hamill went straight from the hospital to the studio set after his son’s birth.

Now a new crop of young stars will make their mark in the Star Wars universe. In The Force Awakens, Adam Driver takes the reigns as the saga’s newest foe, Kylo Ren, who seems determined to finish the work of Darth Vader. Could there be a family connection? It wouldn’t be the first time a Skywalker embraced the Dark Side. At the very least, a connection was found between Adam Driver and Carrie Fisher on Geni. Carrie Fisher is Adam Driver’s second great aunt’s third great uncle’s wife’s third cousin five times removed. Although it may not be a blood path, it’s still interesting to see a link connecting the original cast to the next generation of Star Wars stars!

Once you’re connected to Geni’s World Family Tree, you, too, can see how you’re related to the folks who bring the Star Wars universe to life on screen. Not yet connected? Get started on your family tree for free today and find your place in the World Family Tree!

Do you remember the first time you watched Star Wars? Share your stories with us in the comments below!