Profile of the Day: George Lucas

Posted May 25, 2017 by Amanda | No Comment

George Lucas

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Star Wars!

Created by George Lucas, the epic story set in a galaxy far, far away would become a worldwide phenomenon and be beloved by audiences across generations. Since its initial release, the series has expanded into one of the largest franchises of all time.

George Lucas was born and raised in Modesto, California to Dorthy Ellinore Bomberger and George Walton Lucas, Sr. He developed a passion for film and cinematography in college and as a young filmmaker found a mentor in director Francis Ford Coppola. After the successful release of his coming-of-age film American Graffiti, Lucas envisioned bringing his own story of a space opera to life. He wrote and directed Star Wars, later subtitled A New Hope, which starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. When the film was released in 1977, it quickly became the highest-grossing film ever at the time. It would receive ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Do you remember the first time you watched Star Wars?

Explore George Lucas’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the creator of Star Wars.