Mark Hamill Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

 HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - Actor Mark Hamill, who rocketed to stardom as Luke Skywalker in ``Star Wars,'' got a star of his own today when he was immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of scores of fans, some of whom waited hours to catch a glimpse of him.

``You are with me through thick and thin and the highs and the lows and everywhere in between,'' Hamill told the cheering crowd during his speech. ``If it weren't for the public, I'd be nowhere. From Jedi to Joker and back again, it's been a fantastic ride. Thank you so much, and may the force be with each and every one of you.''

Hamill, who lends his voice to the villainous Joker in animated ``Batman'' and ``Justice League'' shows, punctuated his comments with a cackling Joker laugh.

Actor Harrison Ford, who portrayed Han Solo in four ``Star Wars'' films, and the franchise's creator, George Lucas, were among those on hand to pay tribute to the 66-year-old Hamill at the ceremony in front of the Disney- owned El Capitan Theatre. The event came 19 days before the latest entry in the franchise, ``Star Wars: The Last Jedi,'' is released on digital and Blu-ray.

``Mark is a friend that I don't see very often,'' Ford said. ``Our lives have diverged to a certain extent but I am very pleased for him. He has been the master of his own experience, his own life. And he is as he always was -- a quiet, sincere, honest person. He's not a grandstander and I think he has found comfort and utility and control of his destiny, and I'm happy for you pal.''

While accepting the honor, Hamill told the crowd, ``Words truly fail me. It's hard to convey my gratitude, my joy, the exhilaration of being recognized this way.''

He joked, ``I haven't been this speechless since `Force Awakens,''' referencing the ``Star Wars'' sequel in which he briefly appeared but did not speak.

Hamill also hailed Lucas, noting if it ``weren't for the genius of George Lucas, I wouldn't be standing here today.'' He also said he knew while working with Ford that he was in the ``presence of greatness,'' and that Ford was ``one of the best actors in film history.''

``He also gave me the great advice: `Hey kid, don't get cocky.'''

``Star Wars'' was Hamill's first feature film. He was discovered in a workshop musical comedy called ``Anthems in E-Flat Calliope'' the summer before starting college at Los Angeles City College.

Hamill made his television debut in a 1970 episode of the short-lived CBS comedy-drama ``Headmaster.'' His later television credits included episodes of ``The Partridge Family,'' ``Night Gallery'' ``Cannon,'' ``The Bill Cosby Show,'' ``Room 222'' and ``Lucas Tanner.''

Hamill was a cast member of the comedy ``The Texas Wheelers,'' which was dropped from ABC's schedule after four episodes in 1974.

Hamill's other film credits include ``Corvette Summer,'' ``The Big Red One'' and ``Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.'' His Broadway credits include ``The Elephant Man'' and ``Amadeus.''

Hamill has been a prolific voiceover artist in animated series and video games, including as the Joker in ``Batman'' and ``Justice League'' projects.


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