‘Star Wars’: What Are The Cast Up To Now?

It’s been nearly five decades since ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ first hit theaters, and the galaxy far, far away continues to shape not only Hollywood but also the careers of the actors who brought it to life. Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, became a defining face of the franchise at just 26. Since then, he’s built a diverse career, from live-action roles to voice work, including Fire Lord Ozai in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. He has also returned to the ‘Star Wars’ universe in recent years, appearing in the hit series ‘The Mandalorian’. Harrison Ford turned his role as Han Solo into a gateway for global stardom. Reflecting on the impact, he told The Inquirer in 2023: “It gave me freedom and opportunities that I never had imagined I might have.” Now in his 80s, Ford is still busy acting, working on projects like the drama series ‘Shrinking’, as well as Marvel’s 2025 film ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Natalie Portman, who first portrayed Padmé Amidala in the prequels at just 18, went on to build an extremely impressive career. She later won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Black Swan’ and even joined the Marvel universe as Jane Foster in ‘Thor’. And of course, Carrie Fisher remains unforgettable as Princess Leia, her iconic double-bun hairstyle cementing her place in pop culture. Beyond ‘Star Wars’, she built a respected career as an actress and writer before she sadly passed away in 2016 from sudden cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.