Anthony Daniels

Anthony Daniels (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell;<ref>Jimmy Kimmel Live interview with J.J. Abrams and cast of The Rise of Skywalker (Jimmy Kimmel Live official YouTube channel)</ref> born 21 February 1946)<ref name="official biography">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn is an English actor and mime artist, best known for playing Template:Nowrap in 11 Star Wars films,Template:Efn from Star Wars (1977)Template:Efn to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). He wore the costume and voiced his character in the films and several animated television series.<ref name="SWinterview"/>Template:Sfn

He is the only actor to have either appeared in or been involved with all theatrical films in the series,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and has been involved in many of their spin-offs, including television series, video games, and radio serials. His other roles included CZ-3 in Star Wars, Tak in Solo: A Star Wars Story and more. Daniels also portrayed C-3PO in several commercials, non-canon films including The Lego Movie and non-canon television shows including The Muppet Show. Outside the films, he has narrated and hosted some documentaries (starting off with the 1977 television special, The Making of Star Wars and later Science of Star Wars) and has hosted several events including Star Wars: In Concert since 2009. His involvement in the franchise and association with his character from meeting film director George Lucas in November 1975 to wrapping up on The Rise of Skywalker has been detailed in his 2019 memoirs, I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story.

Prior to his involvement in the franchise, Daniels appeared in several theatrical productions including Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. He was the voice of Legolas in the Ralph Bakshi animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings (1978). He has appeared intermittently on British television in various dramas, including playing a pathologist in Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren. Daniels was an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Early life

1946-1975: Education and theatre

Daniels was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, the son of a plastics company executive.<ref>Lubow, Arthur. "The Forces Behind Jedi: Making Movie History Took Lucas & Co. to the Outer Limits", People, vol. 20, no. 6, 8 August 1983.</ref> He expressed an interest in acting after seeing Dick Whittington at the age of five.Template:Sfn Daniels was educated at Giggleswick School and studied law for two years at university, then dropped out to participate in amateur dramatics and attend Rose Bruford College after receiving encouragement from a teacher, John Law to pursue acting.Template:Sfn During that time he learned several techniques from acting, improvisation and mime classes.Template:Sfn After leaving the college in 1974, Daniels worked on BBC Radio and for the National Theatre of Great Britain at The Young Vic. He appeared in William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth.<ref name="AnthonyD"/> Daniels portrayed Guildenstern in Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.Template:Sfn He took part in the play at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus, a week before he flew from London to Djerba to begin filming Star Wars.Template:Sfn He was a member of the BBC's Radio Drama Company<ref name=yearbook>"Radio and audio book companies" in Lloyd Trott, ed., Actors and Performers Yearbook 2016, pp. 353–354</ref> and speaks fluent French.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 14 November 1975, whilst working in the theatre, he was invited to meet director George Lucas in Soho Square, who was casting for Star Wars.Template:Sfn Daniels at first turned down the interview but was persuaded by his agent to meet Lucas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Daniels has said that before his role in Star Wars, the only science fiction film he had ever seen in a theatre was 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968; he was so displeased with the film that he walked out after ten minutes and demanded his money back.<ref>Dermot O'Leary Show, BBC Radio 2, 21 March 2009.</ref>Template:Sfn After Daniels was cast as Template:Nowrap, Lucas recommended that he watch the film in its entirety to study HAL 9000's voice.Template:Sfn In a 2011 interview, Daniels said that he now regards 2001 as a masterpiece and that he also enjoys post-apocalyptic films such as Mad Max.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Career

Star Wars

1975-1976: Beginnings - Bringing C-3PO to life and filming

In November 1975, after auditioning for the role of C-3PO, Daniels only became fully interested in it after seeing a concept design of the golden droid C-3PO by Ralph McQuarrie; he was moved by the character's forlorn expression.Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/> He said, "I sensed his vulnerability."Template:Sfn The following day, after reading the script he became interested before Lucas gave him the part the next day. In 1976, sculptor Liz Moore finalised the character's design and the Art department modelled the costume on Daniels' body.Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/><ref name="SW40">Template:Cite book</ref> He did not see the final costume until after donning it for the shoot and being shown a Polaroid photograph taken by continuity supervisor Ann Skinner on the first day of filming in Tunisia.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> While filming scenes for Star Wars in Tunisia, Daniels and the crew were told about Moore's death; she died in a car crash.Template:Sfn Daniels mentioned her in several interviews and his memoirs saying, "I will always remember Liz as a most beautiful and kind and creative soul."Template:Sfn

On 22 March 1976, his first day of filming took place in Tunisia which provided the setting for Tatooine.<ref name="SW40"/>Template:Sfn Daniels filmed his first scenes at the Lars homesteadTemplate:Sfn and they also featured Mark Hamill, Kenny Baker inside R2-D2, Phil Brown as Uncle Owen and several Jawa extras.Template:Sfn He found the first days of shooting Star Wars challenging because the costume was restrictive, took a long time (2 hours) to put on and the "desert could be blistering hot or frigid."<ref name="SWinterview"/><ref name="SW40"/> Once on set, the costume could not be redesigned.<ref name="SW40"/> The costume made movements difficult - even the simple ones. Due to the costume being uncomfortable, Daniels would wear relevant parts "if C-3PO wasn't fully in a shot."<ref name="SW40"/> During the scene when a Sand Person attacks Luke, Daniels wore his shoes because his feet were not on camera.Template:Sfn In between filming, he could not sit down with the costume on, so "the crew put him on a leaning board."<ref name="SW40"/> At the end of his first day of filming, Daniels was covered in scars, scratches and bruises from the costume; this marked the first and only time he wore the costume for a whole day.<ref name="SW40"/>Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Daniels and the crew experienced technical difficulties with a motorised R2-D2 and several scenes "had to be re-shot numerous times because his motors kept playing up and he'd rocket away from everyone".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Following that, Daniels, the cast and crew moved to Elstree Studios in London for interior scenes including the Death Star, the interior of the Lars homestead and interiors of ships (including the Millennium Falcon).Template:Sfn The hot summer of 1976 and little air-conditioning made wearing the costume difficult for Daniels. Template:Sfn The scene "where C-3PO had to pick up a comlink to talk to Luke on the Death Star" took 20 takes before sticky pad was placed and hidden in the character's hand.<ref name="SW40"/> The last scene he filmed was in the sub hallway of Tantive IV.Template:Sfn As he got into character he described C-3PO as "a kind of English butler, a cross between Laurel and Hardy with his friend."Template:Sfn

Daniels also portrayed CZ-3, a protocol droid referred to as "White Pointy Face" in one shot in the original film; the character can be seen wandering in the streets of Mos Eisley spaceport past Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.Template:Sfn CZ-3 also appeared in the sandcrawler but Daniels wore his C-3PO costume.Template:SfnTemplate:Efn

Post-production and 1977 release

Daniels struggled with delivering the character's lines until Lucas informed him that they would redub the dialogue in post-production.Template:Sfn Initially, Lucas wanted C-3PO "to speak with a Brooklyn accent".Template:SfnTemplate:SfnTemplate:Efn Several actors including Mel Blanc and Richard Dreyfuss auditioned for the voice before it was decided that Daniels would get the part when one of them suggested the idea to Lucas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn

The release of Star Wars, the first film in the series and fourth chapter of the Skywalker saga, took place in 1977 and received positive reviews. Daniels saw the film at a crew screening in the Dominion Theatre.Template:Sfn On 3 August 1977, He wore the costume and added C-3PO's name, hand and footprint in the concrete forecourt at Mann's Chinese Theatre.Template:SfnTemplate:SfnTemplate:Efn A remote-controlled R2-D2 and Darth Vader (Kermit Eller) were also there.Template:Sfn Daniels narrated and hosted a television special, The Making of Star Wars in West Hollywood, California.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Some of the cast members including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher were interviewed about their involvement in the film but Daniels was not.Template:Sfn Following that Daniels and Peter Mayhew reprised their roles in the Donny & Marie Star Wars Special.Template:Sfn Both television specials were broadcast in September 1977. Daniels was later interviewed about his involvement in a 2004 documentary film and shared his memories of McQuarrie's painting as well as the difficulties of his costume in Tunisia.

Paul Scanlon wrote in an article for Rolling Stone that the droids "practically steal the film" but made no reference to Daniels.Template:Sfn Daniels was depressed with his lack of recognition after the film's successful release; he attributes this to Lucasfilm wanting audiences to believe that the droids were real and not actors in costumes.Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/> He said, "I was not allowed to be a part of it and it took me many, many years to begin to feel a part."<ref name="SWinterview"/> In 2019, Daniels told RadioTimes.com that due to being inside a full-body costume "the anonymity of it was always a struggle."<ref name="RT">Template:Cite web</ref> The success and cultural impact of Star Wars led to further sequels rounding out the original trilogy, another two trilogies, two standalone films, television shows, documentaries, radio series, video games, concerts, conventions and a theme park ride which continued Daniels' association with the franchise for the next decades.

1978-1984: Sequels, television and commercials

Template:See also In 1978, Mark Hamill, Daniels (as C-3PO) and R2-D2 presented Special Sound Oscars for Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Star Wars at the 50th Academy Awards.Template:Sfn Daniels appeared in the live-action segments of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, set between the events of Star Wars and the yet to be released sequel.<ref name=empire>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Although the TV special was broadcast only once and received negative reviews, it eventually became a cult classic among Star Wars fans - when bootleg recordings were uploaded to the internet. In 1980, Daniels made a guest appearance as C-3PO in The Muppet Show, The Stars of Star Wars; the crossover episode also starred Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and R2-D2.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They filmed scenes at ATV Studios in January 1980.Template:Sfn Following that Daniels joined the cast of Sesame Street.Template:Sfn Filming lasted a week and he said, "I had the most memorable time.".Template:Sfn His favourite scene was when C-3PO tries to explain to R2-D2 that his "new short girlfriend" is actually "a fire hydrant."Template:Sfn On 29 April 1980, Daniels (as C-3PO) attended John Williams' first concert as official conductor of the Boston Pops orchestra.Template:Sfn He later added a photograph of his character "below his own photograph in his passport" when he made more appearances as C-3PO abroad.Template:Sfn

Daniels starred in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, the second theatrically released film in the series.Template:Sfn It was the highest grossing film of the year and is regarded as the best film in the series even following a reassessment. His costume was less uncomfortable and this time it consisted of 11 parts instead of 20.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn The assistant art director Fred Hole and his team made the costume more flexible allowing more freedom of movement.Template:Sfn Initially, Daniels was hesitant about reprising his role however, he eventually agreed to return for a higher salary.Template:Sfn He said that C-3PO is "not a hero, but he does have functions that are spoken of and which the movie should use."Template:Sfn Daniels also said that he 'felt [his character] had humanity.'Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn His involvement in the film was acknowledged when his name was included on the poster.Template:Sfn Daniels was included in the publicity events in Los Angeles however, his illness forced him to miss the premiere screening in Washington.Template:Sfn A week later, he returned to London.Template:Sfn In the same year, Daniels wrote a Star Wars themed anti-smoking public service announcement; the PSA featured C-3PO and R2-D2 warning children about the negative effects of smoking.Template:Sfn

File:Warwick Davis & Anthony Daniels 2.jpg

Daniels (right) with fellow Star Wars actor Warwick Davis (left) in 2007

1983's Return of the Jedi was the last installment in the original trilogy and highest-grossing film of the year. Prior to the release of the film, Daniels appeared in the unreleased 1982 mockumentary film, Return of the Ewok.Template:Sfn During filming for Jedi, he was asked to prepare miming stories of the first two films "and up to that point, Return of the Jedi."<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Daniels said, "I really did like Jedi, but only because I got to play God for a day, with little adoring furry creatures."Template:Sfn He filmed several scenes for the original trilogy at Elstree Studios where his costume fitting also took place.Template:Sfn Following film's release, Daniels appeared in two television documentaries, Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi and From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga.Template:Sfn He reprised the role for various promotional work such as advertising for Star Wars-licensed products such as Kenner toysTemplate:Sfn and a 1984 Kelloggs breakfast cereal commercial promoting C-3PO's cereal.Template:Sfn

Initially, Daniels thought that Jedi marked the end and that Lucas "wasn't going to make any more Star Wars films."Template:Sfn However, a few years later an animated television series spin off from the original trilogy and theme park ride would continue his association with C-3PO before Lucas decided to create the prequel trilogy in the 1990s. From 1989 to 2021, every film of the original trilogy was selected by the United States Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Skywalker saga and attended several conventions (until his death in 2016), said that he and Daniels did not get along.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Famous co-stars who absolutely hated each other www.news.com.au, 4 November 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2017.</ref> Despite this, Daniels said in his memoirs that Baker loved his association with the franchise, R2-D2 "and the fans."Template:Sfn

1978-present: Voice work, radio and writing

Daniels' first C-3PO voice work (in animation) was the animated segmentTemplate:Efn of the Star Wars Holiday Special. The animated segment received favourable reviews. He voiced C-3PO in the 1980 Christmas-themed Christmas in the Stars album.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Daniels voiced C-3PO in the Star Wars radio serial based on the original trilogy starting off with 1981's Stars Wars to 1996's Return of the Jedi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn Daniels is the only cast member of the original Star Wars trilogy to voice his character in all three parts of NPR's dramatisations of the trilogy; Hamill voiced his character in the first two parts and Joshua Fardon voiced Luke Skywalker in the third part.Template:Sfn The radio series expanded the original trilogy by incorporating new scenes. Brian Daley scripted a scene between C-3PO and Boba Fett in Jabba's palace however, Daniels rejected the idea insisting the two characters should not be on friendly terms.Template:Sfn Fett was replaced by Arica (Mara JadeTemplate:Efn in disguise) from Timothy Zahn's Tales from Jabba's Palace.Template:Sfn He contributed the foreword to the collected scripts of the Return of the Jedi radio drama, as their author Brian Daley died while they were being recorded.

Daniels voiced C-3PO for six animated series: Droids, Clone Wars, The Clone Wars, Rebels,Template:Efn Forces of DestinyTemplate:Efn and Resistance.Template:Sfn<ref name="SW15">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn Daniels voiced C-3PO in 2008's The Clone Wars.Template:Sfn While the film received negative reviews, the television series of the same name that followed received praise for the character's development, story arcs and animation. Daniels said, "In particular, under the expert and creative direction of Dave Filoni, the animation in Clones was exceptional."Template:Sfn Some of his archival audio from the Skywalker saga was reused in the animated micro-series Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures retelling key moments from the films. Daniels has voiced C-3PO in numerous non-canon Lego Star Wars shorts, animated series and video games including Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens.Template:Sfn He has also voiced his character in several video games including 1997's Monopoly Star Wars and 2009's The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition.Template:Sfn

Daniels also provided the narration and all character voices for the audio books Dark Force Rising and The Last Command.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The audio books were based on Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy. Daniels' other Star Wars-related writings include the Wonder Column for Star Wars Insider magazineTemplate:Sfn<ref name="Insider">Template:Cite web</ref> several stories for the comic book series, Star Wars: DroidsTemplate:Sfn and a comic book adventure for Template:Nowrap and R2-D2 entitled The Protocol Offensive, published by Dark Horse Comics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Star Tours

Template:Main Daniels' other C-3PO voice work included Disney theme park attractions, Star Tours and its successor, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.<ref name="SWinterview"/>Template:Sfn Prior to the opening of the ride on 9 January 1987, he and Tom Fitzgerald recorded the 12 minute performance.Template:Sfn On 13 January 1990, the third Star Tours attraction opened in the new Disney/MGM Studios theme park. Daniels, Lucas, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher attended the opening.Template:Sfn Daniels recorded his lines in French for Star Tours in Disneyland Paris.Template:SfnTemplate:Efn In a 1999 interview for Star Wars Insider, he said, "I think Star Tours is wonderful, and the people at Disney are just magic to work with."Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

In 2010, he was involved in the Star Tours shutdown ceremony as a part of Disney's Hollywood Studios' "Last Tour to Endor" event at Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Florida.Template:Efn The Star Tours ride film was updated with storylines from the prequel trilogy and later the sequel trilogy. C-3PO replaced Captain Rex as pilot and Daniels recorded his dialogue.Template:Sfn

1997-2005: Original trilogy special editions and Star Wars prequel trilogy

File:AnthonyDanielsStandMay2011.jpg

Daniels in May 2011

In 1997, Daniels hosted the 20th anniversary special editions of the original trilogy.Template:Sfn Later that year, filming for the first instalment of the prequel trilogy started at Leavesden Studios. There, George Lucas told him that his character was created by one of the protagonists, Anakin Skywalker while discussing the plot line of the first prequel.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Daniels acted opposite Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson in the prequel trilogy.Template:Sfn He said that McGregor and Jackson "exclaimed their childlike disbelief at working with See-Threepio."Template:Sfn

In Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Daniels only voiced the character, which a puppeteer played on set.Template:Sfn Daniels attended the first Star Wars Celebration in Denver Colorado which celebrated the upcoming release of The Phantom Menace.Template:Sfn The film was released to cinemas in May 1999; Daniels saw it in Salt Lake City.Template:Sfn Initially reviews were mixed however the film became the highest grossing film of 1999 and the highest-grossing Star Wars film at the time of its release. In a 1999 interview for Star Wars Insider, he said that he "enjoyed [the film] immensely".Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn Following a reappraisal of the prequel trilogy, Daniels said, "To be fair, the years have been kinder to this, the first Prequel. Many, who were young at the time still hold it."Template:Sfn In his memoirs, he said that Darth Maul is still one of his favourite characters in the saga - despite his limited appearance in the film.Template:Sfn

Daniels attempted to puppeteer the character himself in the sequel, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, but after the script was changed, he returned to playing the droid in costume.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In this film and 2005's Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the last instalment in the prequel trilogy, he also performed the vocal tracks for scenes that featured a computer-generated C-3PO. Daniels (as C-3PO) and R2-D2 hosted Star Wars: Connections, a series of videos chronicling the connections between the prequels and original trilogy in the lead-up to the theatrical release of Attack of Clones.Template:SfnTemplate:Efn

By the time Attack of the Clones was released to cinemas in May 2002, work began on the final film of the prequel trilogy.Template:Sfn On 23 April 2003, it was announced that Daniels, Baker and Mayhew would reprise their roles in Revenge of the Sith.Template:Sfn Daniels and the crew experienced technical difficulties while filming Revenge of the Sith; during one rehearsal the green screen was reflected on his costume but would later be retouched during post-production.Template:Sfn The neck part of his costume was re-created by Droid supervisor Don Bies which made it more comfortable.Template:Sfn On 24 July 2003, after Daniels finished filming in the hallway of the Alderaan starcruiser, Lucas said, "This is it, the end of the movie. Not the exact end, but the end for you for another twenty years."Template:SfnTemplate:Efn It was the last film to be distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film received positive reviews and was the second-highest-grossing film in the franchise at the time. He had the first line in the original trilogy and the last line in the prequel trilogy both on Tantive IV.Template:Sfn Daniels praised Christensen and McGregor for their lightsaber duel describing them as "marvellous."Template:Sfn

Daniels also makes cameo appearances as a humanoid in two scenes of the feature films. His character, Lieutenant Dannl Faytonni,Template:Efn appears in the nightclub scene early in Attack of the Clones as a man in blue uniform who can be seen in a cutaway reaction shot after Obi-Wan Kenobi disarms the bounty hunter Zam Wesell.Template:Efn This marked the first time Daniels portrayed a human (as well as a droid) in a Star Wars film. Daniels told one of his co-stars, Ahmed Best "that they were going to let [him] reveal [his] face" in the film so Best decided to take part in the scene as well and portrayed an Outlander Club patron, Achk Med-Beq.Template:SfnTemplate:Efn Faytonni can also be seen at the Galaxies Opera House in Revenge of the Sith.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Daniels was featured in the 2004 documentary, Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy.Template:Sfn The documentary was created for the first DVD release of the original trilogy. Initially, Daniels thought that his last day of filming Revenge of the Sith marked the endTemplate:Efn however he continued to voice his character in several television shows after 2005 and would appear in more live-action Star Wars films after Lucas sold the franchise to Disney in 2012.Template:Sfn

2009-2014: Concerts, commercials and new film

In 2009, Daniels hosted the Star Wars: In ConcertTemplate:Efn tour in North America.<ref name="Narrate concert tour" /><ref name="Insider"/> He also hosted the concert at the O2 Arena in London which debuted on 10 April 2009.Template:Sfn The following year, he reprised his role in a TV campaign for Dixons.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In October 2012, the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm and announced that Episode VII would be released in 2015. Daniels found out about this in a newspaper while on a ferryboat.Template:Sfn In April 2014, it was announced that Daniels would join the cast of the first instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He voiced C-3PO in the 2014 animated film, The Lego Movie alongside other crew members of the Millennium Falcon.Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Mirror>Template:Cite web</ref> Daniels watched the film in New York describing it as "ingenious".Template:Sfn

2015-2019: Star Wars sequel trilogy

Template:See also Daniels acted opposite some of his co-stars (including Carrie Fisher) from the original trilogy again and new cast members including Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac in the sequel trilogy.Template:Sfn Daniels reprised his role as C-3PO in the seventh Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, which was released in December 2015.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>Template:Sfn It was the first live-action Star Wars film to be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film received positive reviews, was the highest grossing film of 2015, grossed $2.07 billion worldwide and became the third-highest grossing film at the time of its release. J. J. Abrams, the director of The Force Awakens, told Daniels that he was only going to be the voice of C-3PO in the film, but changed his mind and decided Daniels would wear the suit in the film as well.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Abrams made a new C-3PO suit (with David Merryweather in charge of the redesign) for Daniels to wear during filming using 3D printing instead of fiberglass that allowed Daniels a great deal more mobility and comfort than the original suit and took less time to get into.Template:Sfn Daniels has stated his displeasure with the droid's red arm.Template:Sfn Abrams insisted that the red arm would show a back story since The Force Awakens is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi.Template:Sfn Daniels later read the 2016 one shot Marvel comic, Star Wars: C-3PO #1.Template:Efn He described it as "a story of loyalty and understanding."Template:Sfn Daniels voiced C-3PO in the 2016 non-canon TV mini-series, Lego Star Wars: The Resistance Rises.<ref name="Resistance">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn

Daniels also appeared as C-3PO in 2017's The Last Jedi,<ref name=starwars>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Independent>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, the last two instalments of the Skywalker saga.<ref name=bbcnews>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="SWinterview"/> He filmed several scenes for the sequel trilogy at Pinewood Studios.Template:Sfn During the filming of the Casino sequence inThe Last Jedi, Daniels was involved in Droid School and helped the waiter droid actors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the filming of the Rise of Skywalker, Daniels suggested to Abrams that C-3PO should be given a "meaningful end".Template:Sfn Abrams said to Daniels, "not on my watch."Template:Sfn This suggestion was not materialised and the character ultimately survived. Daniels was featured in the 2020 documentary, The Skywalker Legacy.<ref name="TVguide">Template:Cite web</ref>

Prior to the release of The Rise of Skywalker, Daniels was asked how he would describe C-3PO. He replied, "A teller of truth. He’s the observer. He’s the objective eye."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also said that, "It was great to see C-3PO have real purpose."<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Although The Rise of Skywalker concluded the Skywalker saga, Daniels' involvement with the franchise would continue.

2016-present: Anthology films and further involvement

Outside the Skywalker saga, Daniels appeared in a cameo as C-3PO in 2016's Rogue One, the first standalone film in the Star Wars anthology series.<ref name="SW40"/><ref name=Anaheim>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn He attended the premiere of Rogue One at Tate Modern.Template:Sfn Daniels also made an appearance as Tak, a con artist working in the spice mines of Kessel in the second anthology film, Solo: A Star Wars Story,<ref name=Anaheim /> and voiced C-3PO's cameo appearance in the 2018 film Ralph Breaks the Internet.Template:Sfn Daniels made cameos as C-3PO in Obi-Wan Kenobi<ref name=Den>Template:Cite web</ref> and Ahsoka.<ref name=Weekly>Template:Cite web</ref> Daniels is the only actor to act in all nine films of the Skywalker saga, two anthology films, the Star Wars Holiday Special, the 2008 Clone Wars film, the related television series and several TV series and specials (animated and live-action).<ref name="RT"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn

In March 2017, All Nippon Airways introduced a Boeing 777 modelled after C-3PO into service. Daniels attended the aircraft's unveiling.<ref>ANA's 4th 'Star Wars' jet goes into domestic service 21 March 2017, www.japantoday.com, accessed 13 December 2020</ref>

In 2024, Daniels auctioned off some of his collection including the head-piece he wore.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He reprised his role in the 2024 animated short, How NOT to Draw R2-D2 which was narrated by Mark Hamill. Series creator and executive producer, Gino Guzzardo said, "As Anthony Daniels got into character, he actually performed with his whole body."<ref name="Draw"/> In November 2024, Daniels hosted Star Wars in Concert at Los Angeles; it included compositions from every film of the Skywalker saga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also voiced a bounty hunter version of C-3PO in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024-2025).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Daniels has attended several conventions as part of Star Wars Celebration as a guest since 1999 and has been sharing memories of his experience working on the franchise with the audience during panels.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He attended Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="SW15"/>

Other acting roles

Daniels was the voice of Legolas in the Ralph Bakshi animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings (1978).<ref name =Legolas/>Template:Sfn He has appeared intermittently on British television in various dramas, notably in a recurring role in Prime Suspect starring Helen Mirren.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn He also played the priest in the British spoof horror film I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle (1990).<ref name = Guardian>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name = Empire>Template:Cite web</ref> He also portrayed Colonel Donald Humphries in Holby City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Several of his costars from Star Wars also appeared in Holby City. He appeared in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.<ref name="AnthonyD"/>

Other work

Daniels was an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center.<ref name="Narrate concert tour">Template:Cite web</ref> He has also worked as a presenter and producer of conferences and trade events and creative designer.<ref name="AnthonyD"/>

He wrote the foreword for the DK reference book, Ultimate Star Wars (2015 and 2019 editions).<ref name= Guardian /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

His autobiography, I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story, was released on 5 November 2019 by DK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Insider"/> He had previously considered using the title Telling the Odds.<ref name="SWinterview"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> According to an interview, while filming The Rise of Skywalker, Abrams suggested that Daniels "should write a book." Two days later, Daniels asked Abrams if he would write the foreword; Abrams replied, "I'd be honored."<ref name="SWinterview"/> In the foreword, Abrams said, "While I suspected that bringing Threepio to life was harder than it looked, experiencing it first-hand gave me an instant, newfound respect for the man with the golden eyes."Template:Sfn Daniels decided that his memoirs would focus on his involvement with the Star Wars franchise as well as the impact of his character.<ref name="Insider"/><ref name="RT"/> On 13 April 2019, Daniels revealed the title and book cover during the Star Wars Celebration in Chicago.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He told RadioTimes.com that he "wanted to give a slightly rounder picture of what it was like, what it is like, what it has been like”.<ref name="RT"/> Abrams described the book as "Gloriously witty, keen and spirited".<ref name="Apple"/> The book detailed how George Lucas' ideas, Ralph McQuarrie's paintings, Liz Moore's character designs and the art department's work led to the creation of his character - as well as his experience and portrayal of C-3PO from 1977's Star Wars to 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. Daniels also narrated an audio edition of his book with Abrams narrating his foreword; the audio book features a selection of John Williams' music from the films.<ref name="Apple">Template:Cite web</ref>

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Template:Tooltip
1977	Star Wars	C-3PO, CZ-3	Also known as A New Hope	<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/>
1978	Bruges-la-Morte	Pierrot		<ref>Bruges-La-Morte (1978) www.imdb.com, accessed 13 December 2020</ref><ref>BRUGES-LA-MORTE 1978 FEATURE Prix de la Presse/ Ghent Film Fesvital (sic) 1980 ronaldchaseart.com, accessed 13 December 2020</ref>
	The Lord of the Rings	Legolas Greenleaf Deagol	Voice; uncredited as Deagol	<ref name = Guardian /><ref name=Legolas>Template:Cite web</ref>
1980	The Empire Strikes Back	C-3PO		<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/>
1982	Return of the Ewok		Short video; unreleased	Template:Sfn
1983	Return of the Jedi			<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn
1990	I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle	Priest		<ref name = Empire />
1999	Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace	C-3PO	Template:Efn	<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn
2002	Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones	C-3PO, Dannl Faytonni		<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn
2005	Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith			<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn
2008	Star Wars: The Clone Wars	C-3PO	Voice	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn
2014	The Lego Movie		Voice; cameo	<ref name=Mirror />Template:Sfn
2015	Star Wars: The Force Awakens			<ref name = Guardian />Template:Sfn
2016	Rogue One: A Star Wars Story		Cameo	<ref name=Anaheim />Template:Sfn<ref name="SW40"/>
2017	Star Wars: The Last Jedi			<ref name=starwars /><ref name=Independent /><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>Template:Sfn
2018	Solo: A Star Wars Story	Tak	Cameo	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Anaheim /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
	Ralph Breaks the Internet	C-3PO	Voice; cameo	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn
2019	Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker			<ref name=bbcnews />Template:Sfn<ref name="SWinterview"/>

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Template:Tooltip
1977	Donny & Marie	C-3PO	1 episode, uncredited	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>Template:Sfn
1978	Star Wars Holiday Special		TV special	<ref name=empire />Template:Sfn
1979	Turning Year Tales	John	Episode: "Dear Harriet"
1980	The Muppet Show	C-3PO	Episode: "The Stars of Star Wars"	<ref name="ADaniels">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AppleTV">Template:Cite web</ref>
	Sesame Street		4 episodes	<ref name="ADaniels"/>Template:Sfn
1981	Multi-Coloured Swap Shop	C-3PO and himself	1 episode	Template:Sfn
1984	The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady	Kenneth	7 episodes	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
	Donald Duck's 50th Birthday	C-3PO	TV special short	Template:Sfn
1985	Star Wars: Droids	C-3PO	Voice; 13 episodes	<ref name="DanielsDroids">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AppleTV"/>
1986	The Great Heep		TV movie	Template:Sfn
1987	Three Up Two Down	Rupert Fairfax	Episode: "Mirror Mirror on the Wall"	<ref name="British Comedy">Template:Cite web</ref>
1988–89	Square Deal	Julian	3 episodes	<ref name="British Comedy"/>
1990	The Magical World of Disney	C-3PO	Voice; Episode: "Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration"	Template:Sfn
1992	The Bill	Richard Lee-Ward	Episode: "Stoning the Glasshouse"	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
1995	Prime Suspect	Pathologist	"Inner Circles" and "The Lost Child", TV movies	<ref name=Guardian />
	The Famous Five	Professor Dobson	Episode: "Five on a Secret Trail"	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
	The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles	François	Episode: Attack of the Hawkmen	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
1997	Star Wars: Droids – The Pirates and the Prince	C-3PO	Voice; Video
2001	Urban Gothic	Mr Tidyman	Episode: "Serotonin Wild"	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
	R2-D2: Beneath the Dome	Himself	TV Short, uncredited	Template:Sfn
2002	Star Wars: Connections	C-3PO	TV Short	Template:Sfn
2004	Holby City	Colonel Donald Humphries	Episode: "In the Line of Fire"	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
	Ghosts of Albion Embers	Lord Nelson	Voice; TV movie	<ref name="AnthonyD"/>
2007	Micro Safari: Journey to the Bugs	MAL	Voice
2004–05	Star Wars: Clone Wars	C-3PO	Voice; 4 episodes	Template:Sfn
2008–11	Star Wars: The Clone Wars		Voice; 11 episodes	<ref name=Mirror /><ref name="AppleTV"/>Template:Sfn
2010	Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III		Voice; TV movie	Template:Sfn
2011	Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace			Template:Sfn
2012	Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out			Template:Sfn<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2012–13	Dirigible Days	Narrator	Voice; Also executive producer; 5 episodes
2013–14	Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles	C-3PO	Voice; 6 episodes	<ref name="AnthonyD">Template:Cite web</ref>
2014	Star Wars Rebels		Voice; Episode: "Droids in Distress"	<ref name="AppleTV"/><ref name="AnthonyD"/>
2015	Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales		Voice; 5 episodes	<ref name="AppleTV"/><ref name="AnthonyD"/>Template:Sfn
2016	Lego Star Wars: The Resistance Rises		Voice; Episode: Poe to the Rescue	<ref name="Resistance"/>Template:Sfn
2017	Star Wars Forces of Destiny		Voice; Episode: "Beasts of Echo Base"	Template:Sfn
2018	Star Wars Resistance		Voice; Episode: "The Recruit"	Template:Sfn
2020	The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special		Voice; TV movie	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022	Obi-Wan Kenobi		Cameo; Episode: "Part I"	<ref name=Den/>
	Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation		Voice; TV movie	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023	Ahsoka		Episode: "Part Seven: Dreams and Madness"	<ref name=Weekly/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024	How NOT to Draw		Voice; 1 episode: "R2-D2"	<ref name="Draw">Template:Cite web</ref>
	Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy		Voice; 3 episodes	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2025	Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy: Pieces of the Past		Voice; 2 episodes	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Documentary

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Template:Tooltip
1977	The Making of Star Wars	C-3PO / Host	TV movie documentary	Template:Sfn
1978	50th Academy Awards	C-3PO / Presenter	TV special	Template:Sfn
1983	Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi	C-3PO / Himself	TV movie documentary	Template:Sfn
	From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga			Template:Sfn
2004	Empire of Dreams		Video documentary	Template:Sfn
2005	Science of Star Wars		TV documentary miniseries	Template:Sfn
2020	The Skywalker Legacy		Video documentary	<ref name="TVguide"/>

Radio

Year	Title	Role	Template:Tooltip
1981	Star Wars	C-3PO	Template:Sfn
1983	The Empire Strikes Back
1996	Return of the Jedi

Theme park attractions

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Template:Tooltip
1987	Star Tours	C-3PO	Uncredited; also provides the voice in the French dub	<ref name="SWinterview">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Sfn
2011	Star Tours – The Adventures Continue		Uncredited	<ref name="SWinterview"/>Template:Sfn

Video games

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Template:Tooltip
1997	Monopoly Star Wars	C-3PO	Also writer	Template:Sfn
1999	Star Wars: Pit Droids			Template:Sfn
2008	Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance
	Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Lightsaber Duels			Template:Sfn
2009	Star Wars: The Force Unleashed – Ultimate Sith Edition			Template:Sfn
2015	Disney Infinity 3.0			Template:Sfn
2015	Star Wars Battlefront			Template:Sfn
2016	Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens			<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
	I Expect You to Die	Daniel Sans		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2020	Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge	C-3PO		<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2021	Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge- Last Call
2022	Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga			<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Discography

• Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album (1980)Template:Sfn

References

Footnotes Template:Notelist

Citations Template:Reflist

Print sources

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External links

• Template:Official website
• Template:IMDb name
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• Anthony Daniels at BFI
• Multimedia Q&A with Daniels from the BBC website for the Ghosts of Albion