"Friends, family, filmmakers, and fellow actors mourn the tragic loss of television actor Mark Hamill who died yesterday the eleventh of January in an automobile accident. Hamill, 25, was just completing work on the highly anticipated science fiction epic: STAR WARS; which would have been Hamill's big screen debut in a leading role. Memorial services will..."
"Obviously we will dedicate Star Wars to Mark, just as Mark dedicated himself to Star Wars. This tragedy extends not just to his friends, family, and co-stars but to the future of film in general. We cast Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker because of his light, his spirit, and of course, his prodigious skill as an actor. We're all in a state of shock and mourning, but Mark would want the show to go on, and that's what we're going to do for him."
- George Lucas, January 12th, 1977
"He was just a beautiful guy and a great actor and fun just seemed to follow him around. Mark, Harrison, and myself all grew very close during the filming and he became like something of a brother to me personally. I'm devastated by all of this. It's an enormous loss to Hollywood."
- Carrie Fisher, January 12th, 1977
"No comment yet from relative newcomer Harrison Ford on his fellow co-star. Meanwhile, director George Lucas has stated that while the May 25th release date may have become somewhat elastic while the studio examines possible reshoots or even significant plot changes, post-production of the special effects heavy project will continue on schedule..."
MARK RICHARD HAMILL
SEPTEMBER 25th, 1951 - JANUARY 11th, 1977
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