OnlineHost: Your host for tonight is AOLiveMC15(Bill)
OnlineHost: Mark Hamill (Blair) may be best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in one of the most popular and successful trilogy's of all time: "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." Most recently, Hamill has been heard as the voice of the Joker in both the "Batman" animated television series and the theatrical animated feature "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm."
OnlineHost: Born in Oakland, California, Hamill began his acting career in television, with guest starring roles in such series as "Room 222," "The Partridge Family," "The Streets of San Francisco" and numerous other top-rated shows. In addition to the "Star Wars" trilogy, Hamill has been seen on screen starring in "Corvette Summer," "The Big Red One," "Slipstream," "The Guyver," and "Sleepwalkers," among others.
OnlineHost: Mark made his Broadway debut in 1981 when he starred in "The Elephant Man." Over the past several years he has been seen in both the New York and national touring production of "Amadeus," the off-Broadway revival of "Room Service" and "The Nerd." Welcome to Center Stage, Mark!
AOLiveMC15: Good evening Mark and welcome to AOL and Centerstage!
HamillM: Thank you! Great to be here!
AOLiveMC15: Our first question is from BykrScout
Question: Mark, any plans on involving yourself in the Return of the Jedi radio drama being planned?
HamillM: No. It was a matter of scheduling, though. It will take them 5 days to do the radio drama, and that's in direct conflict with a project I'm working on.
AOLiveMC15: Luke Skyw asks:
Question: What was it like working with such a famous star as Harrison Ford in the Star Wars Trilogy?
HamillM: It was wonderful, of course. He's a great guy as well as a great actor.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from JediCS
Question: What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
HamillM: The desire to communicate, to entertain and inform; and as one of 7 children, a way to get attention.
AOLiveMC15: Mulder372 wants to know
Question: Mark-In light of the *new* Star Wars trilogy (to premiere in '97, '98, '99), I was wondering if you are involved in it and how?
HamillM: That trilogy could be subtitled 'The Early Years.' It's set 30 years before the stories I was involved in, so it will have an all new cast. Except for the droids, I understand. Which makes sense.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from B1Fett
Question: Which movie was your favorite of the STAR WARS TRILOGY?
HamillM: Well they're like your children or your pets - you can't show favoritism! I like them all.
AOLiveMC15: Kasper549 asks
Question: Mark, This is the second Wing Commander game you've done. You also did several voices for Full Throttle. What other games & animated series, have you done?
HamillM: As for games, that's easier to say because I've only done one other besides the one you mentioned. It was called GABRIEL KNIGHT with Tim Curry. I've done over 100 animated programs, so it's hard to single out all of them. I could list a few of my favorites: Joker on BATMAN, Dr. Jack on PHANTOM 2040, Hobgoblin on SPIDERMAN, and Maximus on FANTASTIC FOUR...looks like I'm typed as a villain in animation!
AOLiveMC15: WharffRat asks
Question: What was the funniest "blooper" you can recall from the SW series
HamillM: We laughed a lot. I like to think of it as one continuous blooper.
AOLiveMC15: T16skyhpr wants to know:
Question: Mr. Hamill, do you plan to produce films again like "The Philadelphia Experiment"?
HamillM: I'm right now working to produce a thriller called THE BLACK PERARL, which I wrote with my partner Eric Johnson. It was written as a screenplay, but bought as a five part graphic novel to be published by Darkhorse comics in the summer of '96. (BLACK PEARL)
AOLiveMC15: UncleScar asks:
Question: Mr. Hamill.... will you, or do you have any plans for starring in the Wing Commander series of games?
HamillM: Well, I've done two. But I'm not set for any predetermined amount of stories. We're doing it on a case by case basis and I've done two.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from NagaoE
Question: I have a question that perhaps you can answer. Can you tell me what your future TV or movie projects are? Also perhaps you can tell me where to get fan related items and an autograph? Thank you for your time.
HamillM: For those who wish to write to me, my address is PO Box 1051 Santa Monica, CA 90406. I also have an email address on AOL: Hamillmail. I did an OUTER LIMITS that's coming up. But mostly I'm concentrating on writing and maybe directing.
AOLiveMC15: Mapethjo wants to know
Question: Is computer-acting a long-term career for people or just a passing fad?
HamillM: Only time will tell. But I don't think the potential has been tapped.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from Asmooth55
Question: How has life been after Star Wars and do you still keep in touch with your costars?
HamillM: It's been exhilarating, especially to work on the New York stage, both on and off Broadway. A memorable experience was the First National Tour of Amadeus, where I got to go to the major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, etc. One of my most cherished moments was I got a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for HARRIGAN N' HART. I haven't seen anyone from the cast in a long time. Christmas cards, though.
AOLiveMC15: ReneeMmm1 asks
Question: When working on Star Wars, did you ever think that it would become as popular as it did?
HamillM: No. Although I did think it would be popular.
AOLiveMC15: TCN Eagle asks
Question: Did you enjoy being part of the cast in Wing Commander 3, and 4?
HamillM: Yes. It was a great cast! It's hard to single anyone out. I'd like to list some names though: Malcom McDowell, Tom Wilson, Jason Bernard, and John Spencer.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from Biffan
Question: Mr. Hamill - having seen your stage work in "The Nerd," I'd like to know - would you prefer to go back to stage, or stay with film, CD's, etc.?
HamillM: I'm always looking for new things. Seven years of theater should last em a long time. I'm more interested in directing something I've written; but it takes more time than I had guessed it would. But I miss the live audience.
AOLiveMC15: CHEWBAC99 asks
Question: Did you do any of your own stunts in any of the Star Wars movies
HamillM: Yes. I did. Everyone except for the ones the insurance company refused to let me do!
AOLiveMC15: Jhays 100 asks
Question: Do you have any plans to do Wing Commander 5 or other games?
HamillM: Not specifically, but I'm always open to proposals. I think they've only scratched the surface of what they can do in this medium.
AOLiveMC15: Troi29Del asks
Question: What movie was the most fun to make?
HamillM: Probably one you've never heard of called SLIPSTREAM. It's hard to single out a specific project, but SLIPSTREAM was such an adventure both as a film making experience and as a collaboration. It stands out in my mind. Also because I was so cast against type. Get it on video!
AOLiveMC15: JERYYZ asks
Question: Hi Mark, would like to know if you stay in touch with Sir Alec Guiness, and if so, any plans to work with him again?
HamillM: Oh, wouldn't I love to! I haven't written him in about a year now, so it's a good reminder for me. I try to do it every Christmas. But no specific plans.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from CHrisRHoo
Question: Mark, have you enjoyed interacting with fans at the conventions you've attended, and do you plan to do more?
HamillM: Yes, I was astonished at the energy! I only have done a couple now. But I expect to more in conjunction with THE BLACK PEARL.
AOLiveMC15: TCN Eagle wants to know
Question: Do you know anything about the rumors of there being a Wing Commander 5?
HamillM: No. I've heard about a feature film, but once again it goes back in time.
AOLiveMC15: JCHausman asks
Question: With all the new novelizations that have come out since George Lucas' original, will you be involved with any of the newer ones, such as Jedi Academy ones?
HamillM: No, I'll be in the audience with you. Just consider the movies the previous generation, and then you'll understand.
AOLiveMC15: Rgetng732 wants to know
Question: Have you found that your roles for movies are limited due to the Star Wars trilogy?
HamillM: It's hard to second guess. But I'm just happy to be as busy as I am.
AOLiveMC15: URBLADY and a lot of others ask
Question: Any truth that you will play young Anakin in the new trilogy?
HamillM: No.
AOLiveMC15: Tornado42 asks
Question: How did you like your role in NBC's Seaquest?
HamillM: I really enjoyed that experience. I've played two geniuses now: that character and Mozart.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from WharffRat
Question: How did they choreograph the Light saber duels? Did you all use broomsticks or something ?
HamillM: No, it was treated as though it was traditional fencing by the stunt people, as well as a lot of martial arts training on my part. But choreographed as you would any other sword fight in a movie.
AOLiveMC15: Ens Kent sends the next one
Question: I really enjoyed your performance in WC3. I know you acted against only a blue screen, and very little props. Was it difficult?
HamillM: Yes and no. In this profession, you always have to use your imagination. It was just intensified.
AOLiveMC15: KZMINOTAU asks
Question: I see you appeared in an episode of "Freakazoid" how did you enjoy seeing yourself in a cartoon?
HamillM: I've recorded the voice although I haven't see the finished product. It's a cartoon version of me. I look forward to it, though. I love cartoons and animation.
AOLiveMC15: GGpilot wants to know
Question: What are your interests outside the "acting" arena? Hobbies, etc.?
HamillM: I draw a lot and paint a lot and read a lot. I love the ocean, I love my children and spending time with them as a hobby.
AOLiveMC15: Jenicia asks
Question: Do you encourage your children in becoming actors? Would you help them?
HamillM: I wouldn't either encourage or discourage. But I would help them with whatever they wanted within reason. They're both musicians, by the way.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from JediLaure
Question: Merry Christmas... Do people forget that you are not really Luke Skywalker and just walk up to you and call out his name? If so, does it bother you?
HamillM: Believe it or not, no it doesn't happen. And it wouldn't bother me if it did.
AOLiveMC15: JediTwin2 wants to know
Question: When will the Outer Limits with you be on?
HamillM: Early 1996. Probably February.
AOLiveMC15: Sterlin83 asks
Question: What are your future move plans
HamillM: Well, I'm devoting all of my efforts right now to trying to sell an original screenplay. I have to meet deadlines for the summer release of BLACK PEARL, so I'm a very busy guy. There's over 110 pages I owe, so there are constant deadlines.
AOLiveMC15: JMpesq5 wants to know
Question: Mark you appeared as David Bradford in the pilot of Eight is Enough, why'd you leave the show? Did it conflict with SW?
HamillM: No, there were many cast changes. The series was remade in the form that you saw. There were four or five actors changed when it went into series television.
AOLiveMC15: TCN Butch asks
Question: Are there any plans for a Wing Commander Movie, or television series?
HamillM: Yes. But they're all in the talking stages at this point. Once again, the movie takes place, like STAR WARS, 25 years earlier. I have this knack, you see.
AOLiveMC15: SOLOCAT asks
Question: Have you always felt you were more of a stage actor rather than a "movie star"? I would like to know if you will be touring in any productions upcoming?
HamillM: No specific plans for the latter part of that question. For the first part, I go wherever the job is.
AOLiveMC15: Jumbo108 wants to know
Question: How does it feel to have been part of, what has become a cultural icon?
HamillM: Fun! But it's not something I relate to in my everyday life. I'm much more of a family person than I am a Hollywood person, I think.
AOLiveMC15: John246 asks
Question: What was your first "big break" as an actor?
HamillM: The very first job that gets you a union card could be considered your first break, And that would have been THE BILL COSBY SHOW. That was the show that got me into the actor's union.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from Jedi Suzy
Question: Hi Mark , How is the Black Pearl screen play going? Will you act in it or Direct or Both?.
HamillM: That's undetermined. I could act in it if it will help it get made, but I'd like to concentrate just on directing if I could.
AOLiveMC15: Acanth13 wants to know
Question: If, you decided NOT to act, what would you be doing?
HamillM: Writing. But I think if I were out of the business completely, I always wanted to be a teacher.
AOLiveMC15: JEDIHEALE wants to know
Question: I have heard that you may appear in an upcoming episode of Babylon5. True?
HamillM: Not at this time. Although one of my best friends is on the show, Bill Mumy, and I really would like to work with him.
AOLiveMC15: NSunrider asks:
Question: I can't wait to read your new story "Black Pearl" when it comes out in Dark Horse Comics, can you give us any hints on the content?
HamillM: Yes. We call it a tabloid thriller. It's about tabloid journalism and why there's no such thing as Batman in real life.
AOLiveMC15: The next one comes to us from Ghent2
Question: How do you feel about Star Wars today? And the growth of its fans, and massive uprising with new books, comics and more?
HamillM: I like anything that stimulates the imagination. And whether it's WIZARD OF OZ or TWILIGHT ZONE, I think people will always be dreamers. I'm glad it's had an impact.
AOLiveMC15: MABPLLY asks:
Question: Hi Mark! I remember seeing you in Corvette Summer and The Big Red One, how did you feel about those films?
HamillM: There were things I liked about both of them. BIG RED ONE was directed by Samuel Fuller, and they were true life experiences of his. CORVETTE SUMMER, it was great working with Matthew Robbins and fun playing sort of an atypical character part. They're very different movies and I like them for different reasons. Even your failures you have fondness for because you learn from the experience. It's not that I just mindlessly love everything that I do.
AOLiveMC15: The next one is from Jenica
Question: I am sure you've heard this before, I think you were the right chose for the part of Luke Skywalker, how were your chosen for the part? Do you know if anyone else were considered?
HamillM: Yes, everyone else was considered. It was a mass cattle call situation which was narrowed down by screen tests.
AOLiveMC15: IL BDR 52 asks
Question: Did you like the experience you had working on Wing Commander? and do you plan to do more games?
HamillM: No specific plans, although like I say the possibility exists.
AOLiveMC15: Unfortunately we have time for only one last question. Our last question is from WildWodka
Question: How does it feel to be a household name and part of an American icon?
HamillM: I only consider it when directly confronted with it, like your question. But it doesn't really inform my day to day life. I feel humbled by it and gratified.
AOLiveMC15: AOL and Centerstage thank Mark for his time and GREAT responses this evening!
HamillM: Goodnight, Happy Holidays everyone, ad keep looking to the stars!
AOLiveMC15: We would also like to thank the audience for their great questions. Good night all!
OnlineHost: Our thanks to Mark Hamill for taking time out at this busy time of the year to join us online. For an edited transcript of this event, please check back to keyword: "Oldsmobile" within 24 hours. Thank you and good night!
OnlineHost: Copyright 1995 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.