The name George Lucas will definitely not be strange to science fiction enthusiasts. An easily recognizable Hollywood icon, Lucas is one of the world’s leading movie directors, producers, and writers. He is the mastermind behind one of the most successful franchises in the industry and is best known as the father of Star Wars.
A tech-savvy man and a car aficionado, the Star Wars creator would have chosen a different career path but for a life-threatening accident that changed his life forever. As an entrepreneur, he owns Lucasfilm Ltd, which is one of the world’s most successful independent production companies. Be inspired to greatness with interesting facts and details about the legendary Hollywood veteran.
Biography and Early Life
A Californian, George Lucas was born on May 14, 1944. He is the son of Dorothy Ellinore Lucas and George Walton Lucas, a stationery store owner. Born and raised in the city of Modesto, Lucas had a flair for cars and motor racing and also participated in racing competitions and underground circuits. In fact, he once nurtured dreams of becoming a professional car racer until June 1962 when he had a life-threatening auto accident. Thankfully, that accident birthed his current career path and success.
With a newfound interest in filmmaking, Lucas’ academic records show he first studied anthropology, sociology, and literature at Modesto Junior College, before later bagging a degree in fine arts in film studies from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. After college, he unsuccessfully attempted to serve in the U.S Air Force.
George Lucas’ film making credits can be traced back to his college days. Some of his short film credits as a student include Look at Life, Freiheit, Electronic Labyrinth: THX-1138 4EB, Herbie, The Emperor, and 1:42.08. In fact, his short sci-fi Electronic Labyrinth: THX-1138 4EB won the first prize at the 1967 National Student Film Festival.
Most of the filmmaker’s works are sci-fi and technology-related. Lucas is renowned for producing the hit space opera franchise Star Wars. The popular series was such a commercial success that it generated a life-long revenue no less than $20 billion. Lucas is also the mastermind behind the Indiana Jones archaeologist-adventurer character. Some of his other works include the 1973 movie American Graffiti, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Twice Upon a Time (1983), the 1988 movie Willow, Radioland Murders (1992), Red Tails (2012), and many others.
Also a serial entrepreneur, the American filmmaker established a film and television production company, Lucasfilm Ltd, which was later sold to The Walt Disney Company in 2012. He is also the founder of Lucas Digital Ltd established in 1971, which encompasses Industrial Light & Magic, a visual effects company for motion pictures production, and Skywalker Sound and LucasArts Entertainment Company.
George Lucas Wife and Children
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George Lucas has been married twice. His first marriage was to film editor Marcia Lou Griffin. The former lovebirds who got married on the 22nd of February 1969 were more than just lovers but also colleagues. The Star Wars supremo and film editor worked together on his hit franchise. In fact, Marcia’s outstanding editing job on Star Wars earned her an Academy Award. Sadly in 1983, the pair called it quits.
Lucas is now currently married to Hollywood executive Mellody Hobson. A Princeton graduate, Hobson is currently the president of the investment management firm, Ariel Investments, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dreamworks Animation SKG Inc.
The Star Wars creator and the Ariel Investments president who met at a business conference in 2006, got engaged in January 2013 and tied the knot on the 22nd of June that same year, at Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California. While their marriage is the second for Lucas, it is the first for Hobson.
George Lucas has a total of four children; three girls and a boy. Interestingly, three of his children are adopted. His eldest daughter Amanda who was born on July 1, 1981, was adopted with his first wife Marcia. After they split and as a single father, Lucas went on to adopt two more children, his second daughter Katie Rose born on April 13, 1988, and a son Jett born on February 7, 1993. The famed director and producer’s last and biological child is Everest Hobson Lucas whom he shares with Mellody. She was born on August 9, 2013, via surrogacy.
Details of his Net Worth
Having produced commercial hits such as the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas is considered one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood. His total net worth is currently estimated at $7.3 billion. The Star Wars father is a dedicated philanthropist who spends his fortune on charitable causes.
He is the founder of the non-profit organization, The George Lucas Educational Foundation, which encourages and supports innovations in schools. More so, George and his wife Mellody are known to have donated heavily to various Chicago institutions. Again, alongside other wealthy billionaires such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, George Lucas has subscribed to The Giving Pledge, promising to give half his fortune to charity.
Height
George Lucas stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs more than 77 kg (169.5 lbs). The Hollywood veteran further has grey hair color and dark brown eye color.
Is He Dead?
Given his popularity, George Lucas like many other celebrities has been a victim of several death hoaxes. Thankfully, the septuagenarian who currently lives with his family in San Anselmo, California, has so far, outlived the age-long rumors.
