Anthony Daniels

Anthony Daniels, born on February 21, 1946, is a distinguished English actor and mime artist, renowned for his iconic portrayal of C-3PO in the Star Wars franchise. His journey began with a reluctance to embody a robotic character, but Ralph McQuarrie's evocative concept art sparked a deep empathy within him, leading to a career-defining role that spanned 11 films from the original Star Wars in 1977 to The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.

Daniels holds the unique distinction of being the only actor to have participated in every theatrical release of the Star Wars series. His contributions extend beyond the films, encompassing numerous spin-offs, animated series, video games, and radio adaptations. Notably, he also portrayed characters such as CZ-3 and Tak in various Star Wars-related projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

In addition to his film work, Daniels has lent his voice to C-3PO in commercials and non-canon films, including The Lego Movie, and has made appearances in television shows like The Muppet Show. His narrative talents have been showcased in documentaries, starting with the 1977 special The Making of Star Wars, and he has hosted events like Star Wars: In Concert since 2009, further solidifying his connection to the franchise.

Before his rise to fame, Daniels was involved in theatrical productions, including Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and voiced Legolas in Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. His television credits include roles in British dramas such as Prime Suspect and Holby City. Daniels also served as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center, sharing his expertise with aspiring artists.

His extensive experiences and challenges during the filming of Star Wars in Tunisia have been chronicled in various documentaries, including Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. In 2019, he published his memoir, I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story, detailing his remarkable journey from meeting George Lucas in 1975 to concluding his role in The Rise of Skywalker.