George Walton Lucas Jr., born on May 14, 1944, is an American filmmaker who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Best known for creating the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, Lucas is also the founder of Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX. His contributions to the film industry, both as a filmmaker and a technology innovator, have earned him a place among the most significant figures of the 20th-century New Hollywood movement.
Personal Stats
- Date of Birth: 14 May 1944
- Source of Wealth: Star Wars, Self Made
- Self-Made Score: 8
- Philanthropy Score: 4
- Residence: San Anselmo, California
- Citizenship: United States
- Marital Status: Married
- Children: 4
- Education: Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Southern California
Early Life And Education
George Lucas was born and raised in Modesto, California, to parents Dorothy Ellinore Lucas and George Walton Lucas Sr. He comes from a diverse heritage, with German, Swiss-German, English, Scottish, Dutch, and French ancestry. Lucas’s fascination with storytelling began at a young age, influenced by his visits to Disneyland during its opening week in 1955 and his love for comics and science fiction.
Lucas’s passion for racing also played a significant role in shaping his early years. He aspired to be a racecar driver and spent his high school years racing on the underground circuit. However, a near-fatal accident just before his graduation changed the course of his life. This incident led him to explore other interests and set him on a path towards filmmaking.
Film Education And Influences
After attending Modesto Junior College, Lucas transferred to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. There, he became part of a group of talented film students known as “The Dirty Dozen,” which included future collaborator Steven Spielberg. Lucas’s time at USC exposed him to influential filmmakers and film theories that would shape his artistic vision. He was particularly inspired by the non-narrative elements of film explored in Lester Novros’s Filmic Expression course and the montage sequences created by Slavko Vorkapić.
Early Career And Breakthrough
Upon graduating from USC in 1967, Lucas attempted to join the United States Air Force but was rejected due to his speeding tickets. He was later drafted into the United States Army but was exempted from service due to his diabetes diagnosis. With his military obligations behind him, Lucas co-founded American Zoetrope with Francis Ford Coppola and directed his first feature film, THX 1138, in 1971. Although the film was a critical success, it did not fare well financially.
Lucas’s breakthrough came in 1973 with the release of American Graffiti, a nostalgic coming-of-age film inspired by his youth in Modesto. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning five Academy Award nominations and establishing Lucas as a promising filmmaker.
The Star Wars Phenomenon
Lucas’s most significant contribution to cinema came with the release of Star Wars in 1977. The epic space opera, which had a troubled production, defied expectations and became a cultural phenomenon. It became the highest-grossing film at the time, winning six Academy Awards and captivating audiences worldwide. The success of Star Wars led to the creation of a franchise that would span decades, with Lucas producing and co-writing the sequels The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Collaboration With Steven Spielberg And Other Ventures
Lucas’s creative partnership with Steven Spielberg resulted in another iconic franchise: Indiana Jones. Together, they produced and co-wrote the adventure films Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Lucas also collaborated with renowned composer John Williams, who provided the memorable scores for both Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
In addition to his work on these blockbuster franchises, Lucas produced and wrote a variety of films and television series through Lucasfilm. He also founded Industrial Light & Magic, a pioneering visual effects company, and THX, a sound system certification program.
Later Career And Legacy
In 1997, Lucas re-released the original Star Wars trilogy as Special Editions, featuring several modifications. He continued to make changes to the films for subsequent home media releases in 2004 and 2011. Lucas returned to directing with the Star Wars prequel trilogy, consisting of The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith.
Lucas’s impact on the film industry extends beyond his successful franchises. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards and has been recognized for his contributions to technology and visual effects. His independent approach to filmmaking and his ability to create immersive and captivating worlds have inspired generations of filmmakers.
THX 1138, American Graffiti, and Star Wars (1969-1977)
In 1969, Lucas co-founded the studio American Zoetrope with Francis Ford Coppola. Their goal was to create a liberating environment for filmmakers outside of the Hollywood studio system. Lucas directed his first full-length feature film, “THX 1138,” which was produced by American Zoetrope but was not a commercial success. Lucas then established his own company, Lucasfilm, Ltd., and went on to direct the successful film “American Graffiti” in 1973.
Lucas had initially wanted to adapt Flash Gordon, but when he couldn’t obtain the rights, he decided to write his own space adventure, which eventually became Star Wars. Despite the success of American Graffiti, most studios turned down Star Wars. It was only because of Alan Ladd Jr. at 20th Century Fox, who liked American Graffiti, that the film was given a chance. Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing film of all time at that point. Lucas drew inspiration from samurai films, spaghetti westerns, and classic sword and sorcery fantasy stories.
Hiatus From Directing, Indiana Jones (1977-1993)
Following the release of Star Wars, Lucas focused on writing and producing, including the many Star Wars spinoffs made for film, television, and other media. He served as executive producer for the next two Star Wars films, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as for the Indiana Jones films directed by Steven Spielberg.
Lucas also worked on various other projects during this period, including the films Kagemusha, Twice Upon A Time, and Labyrinth. He was involved in the creation of Pixar, which was initially part of Lucasfilm’s Computer Division. Lucas sold Pixar to Steve Jobs in 1986. Additionally, Lucas founded THX Ltd., an audio company, and subsidiaries such as Skywalker Sound and Industrial Light & Magic.
Lucas took a hiatus from directing during this time, focusing on producing and overseeing his various ventures. He faced financial difficulties following his divorce and the drop in revenues from Star Wars licenses. However, he maintained his creative involvement in the industry and continued to have a significant impact on the world of filmmaking.
Return To Directing And The Star Wars Prequels
After a hiatus from directing, George Lucas returned to the helm with the release of the Star Wars prequels. In 1993, it was announced that Lucas would be making the prequels, exploring the tragic story of Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side. He began working on the screenplay for Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which was released in 1999. The film was the first one Lucas had directed in over two decades. He continued to direct the next two prequels, Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005).
The prequels received mixed reviews from fans and critics, with some considering them inferior to the original trilogy. However, they were box office successes and popular with younger fans. Despite the criticism, Lucas reflected on his transition from an independent to a corporate filmmaker and expressed satisfaction in being able to make his films the way he wanted.
Collaboration On Indiana Jones And The Clone Wars
In addition to the Star Wars prequels, Lucas collaborated with Jeff Nathanson as a writer for the 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film received mixed reviews, similar to the prequels.
From 2008 to 2014, Lucas served as the creator and executive producer for the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The series, which bridged the events between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, was closely developed in collaboration with Lucas and supervised by Dave Filoni.
Semi-Retirement And Disney Acquisition
In 2012, Lucas announced his retirement from producing large blockbuster films and expressed a desire to focus on smaller, independently budgeted features. Kathleen Kennedy, a long-term collaborator with Steven Spielberg and producer of the Indiana Jones films, was appointed as co-chair of Lucasfilm Ltd. She worked alongside Lucas, who remained the chief executive and served as co-chairman for at least one year before Kennedy succeeded him as the company’s sole leader.
Lucas served as a creative consultant on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first film in the sequel trilogy directed by J.J. Abrams. He attended early story meetings and provided guidance but acknowledged that he needed to let go and let the new generation take over. Lucas’s story ideas for episodes VII-IX were not used by Disney.
Lucas’s involvement with Lucasfilm continued with the release of subsequent Star Wars films, including The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). He also worked on the Star Wars streaming series, The Mandalorian, and had cursory involvement with Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).
Semi-retired, Lucas focused on smaller projects and wrote the CGI film Strange Magic (2015), his first musical. He also served as an executive producer for the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones series, although he did not contribute to the story.
George Lucas’s Legacy And Impact
George Lucas’s impact on the film industry is immense. He revolutionized the use of special effects and pioneered the concept of the modern blockbuster film with the Star Wars franchise. His films have inspired generations of filmmakers and have left a lasting legacy in popular culture. Despite the mixed reception of the prequels, Lucas’s contributions to storytelling and technological advancements in filmmaking are widely recognized.
Lucasfilm And Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
George Lucas founded Lucasfilm in 1971 as a film production company. It was officially incorporated as Lucasfilm Ltd. on September 12, 1977. Initially, Lucas intended for the company to focus on making independent films. However, with the success of Star Wars, Lucasfilm expanded and became a major player in the film industry.
One of the most significant divisions of Lucasfilm is Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), which Lucas founded in 1975. Lucas wanted Star Wars to feature groundbreaking visual effects that had never been seen before. He approached Douglas Trumbull, but Trumbull was already committed to another project. Trumbull recommended his assistant, John Dykstra, to Lucas. Dykstra assembled a team of talented individuals, including Ken Ralston, Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, and others, and set up a workshop in Van Nuys, California.
The team, known as Industrial Light & Magic, became the Special Visual Effects department for Star Wars. They worked on developing innovative techniques and technologies to bring Lucas’s vision to life. ILM’s pioneering work on Star Wars revolutionized the field of visual effects in the film industry.
ILM went on to become one of the most renowned visual effects companies in the world. They have worked on numerous blockbuster films, including the Indiana Jones series, Jurassic Park, Transformers, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. ILM’s contributions to the industry have earned them multiple Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects.
Other Ventures: Skywalker Sound, THX, And Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art
In addition to Lucasfilm and ILM, George Lucas has been involved in various other ventures.
Skywalker Sound is the audio post-production division of Lucasfilm. It was established in 1975 and has been responsible for the sound design and mixing of numerous films, including the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.
THX is a sound quality certification system that Lucas developed in 1983. It was created to ensure that movie theaters meet certain audio and visual standards for an optimal cinematic experience. THX has become a widely recognized and respected industry standard.
Lucas has also been involved in the creation of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which is currently under construction in Los Angeles, California. The museum aims to celebrate the art of storytelling through various mediums, including film, animation, and visual arts.
Through these various ventures, George Lucas has made significant contributions to the film industry, not only as a filmmaker but also as a pioneer in visual effects, sound, and cinematic experiences. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling has left a lasting impact on the industry and continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and artists.
Collaboration With John Williams:
George Lucas had a significant collaboration with renowned composer John Williams, particularly in the scoring process for the original Star Wars soundtrack. Williams was recommended to Lucas by his friend and colleague Steven Spielberg. Initially, Lucas wanted to use existing tracks and film music similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey. However, Williams advised against this approach and proposed the use of recurring themes, known as leitmotifs, to enhance the storytelling. Inspired by classical composers such as Gustav Holst, William Walton, and Igor Stravinsky, Williams created iconic themes like the Main Title Theme, the Force Theme, the Rebel Alliance Theme, and Princess Leia’s Theme, which became synonymous with the Star Wars saga.
Williams’s score for Star Wars received critical acclaim and won him his third Academy Award for Best Original Score. The American Film Institute even listed it as the greatest film score of all time in 2005. Williams continued to collaborate with Lucas on the remaining films of the original Star Wars trilogy, the prequel trilogy, and the Indiana Jones franchise. In total, Williams received six Academy Award nominations for his work on Lucas’s films.
George Lucas’s Philanthropy
As the wealthiest film celebrity in the world, George Lucas has made significant philanthropic contributions throughout his career. He has pledged to donate half of his fortune to charity as part of The Giving Pledge, an initiative led by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
In 1991, Lucas established The George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit operating foundation that celebrates and encourages innovation in schools. Under the brand Edutopia, the foundation provides valuable resources through its website, social media platforms, and documentary films. Lucas has been a strong advocate for education, particularly in the area of technology and connectivity. He played a pivotal role in the development of the E-rate program in the universal service fund, which aims to provide free wireless broadband access to schools.
In 2012, Lucas sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company for $4.05 billion. It was widely reported that he intended to donate the majority of the proceeds from the sale to charity. Lucas has also made substantial donations to various causes and organizations. For instance, he donated $1 million to support the construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Lucas made a historic donation of $175-180 million to the University of Southern California to expand its film school, the largest single donation to USC and any film school.
Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, have also contributed $25 million to After School Matters, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that provides educational and artistic opportunities for young people. Furthermore, Lucas has shown support for the Obama Foundation by donating between $501,000 and $1 million through the Lucas Family Foundation to support the construction of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
George Lucas’s Personal Life
In 1969, Lucas married film editor Marcia Lou Griffin, who won an Academy Award for her editing work on the original Star Wars film. They adopted a daughter named Amanda Lucas in 1981 but divorced in 1983. Lucas then became a single parent and adopted two more children, Katie Lucas in 1988 and Jett Lucas in 1993. All three of his eldest children appeared in the Star Wars prequels, as did Lucas himself.
Lucas began dating Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments and chair of DreamWorks Animation, in 2006. They got engaged in 2013 and married on June 22, 2013. They have one daughter together, born via surrogate in August 2013.
Lucas was raised in a Methodist family but has incorporated elements of Eastern religious philosophies into his life and work. He identifies his religion as “Buddhist Methodist.” He is also a collector of the works of American illustrator and painter Norman Rockwell.
Lucas has expressed his admiration for Seth MacFarlane’s TV show Family Guy and has supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in her 2016 presidential campaign. He has also been involved in various political and social causes, including his opposition to the Iraq War and his support for same-sex marriage.
In terms of personal interests, Lucas is an avid collector of film memorabilia and classic cars. He has an extensive collection of movie posters, props, and costumes, which he has displayed in his private museum, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, located in Los Angeles. The museum showcases a wide range of art forms, including paintings, illustrations, photography, and digital art.
In 2013, Lucas announced his retirement from producing blockbuster films and expressed his desire to focus on more experimental and independent projects. He has since directed a few small-scale films, such as “THX 1138” and “American Graffiti,” which received critical acclaim.
Awards And Honors
George Lucas has received several other notable recognitions for his contributions to the film industry. Some of these include:
- The Kennedy Center Honors: In 2015, Lucas was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious annual event that celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the performing arts in the United States.
- Disney Legend: In 2015, Lucas was inducted as a Disney Legend, an honor bestowed by The Walt Disney Company to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Disney legacy.
- National Medal of Arts: In 2013, Lucas was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. This honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts and culture in the United States.
- California Hall of Fame: Lucas was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2009 as one of the state’s most accomplished individuals in various fields.
- Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Lucas was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre through his films, particularly the Star Wars franchise.
- Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award: Lucas received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1991. This award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on the film industry through their producing efforts.
George Lucas’s Net Worth:
George Lucas, a renowned director, writer, producer, and businessman, has amassed a significant net worth of $4.9 billion.
