There have been many iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise, but one actor has managed to appear in every single main Star Wars movie. That actor is none other than Anthony Daniels, who portrayed the beloved droid C-3PO.
The Beginnings of Anthony Daniels’ Career
Before landing the role of C-3PO, Anthony Daniels had a background in theater and had even worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company. However, it was his portrayal of the fussy protocol droid that would truly make him a household name.
C-3PO’s First Appearance
Anthony Daniels first donned the shiny gold suit of C-3PO in the original Star Wars movie, released in 1977. From there, he went on to appear in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), Revenge of the Sith (2005), The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
The Challenges of Playing C-3PO
While playing a character as iconic as C-3PO may seem like a dream come true, there were certainly challenges that came with the role. For one thing, Anthony Daniels was required to wear a full-body suit made out of fiberglass and gold-painted plastic. This suit was both heavy and uncomfortable, and Daniels has said that it could take up to an hour just to get into it.
Furthermore,
because C-3PO is a droid and therefore has limited mobility, Anthony Daniels had to find ways to convey emotions through body language alone. This required him to be incredibly expressive with his movements and facial expressions.
The Legacy of Anthony Daniels’ Performance
While there have been many memorable characters in the Star Wars franchise, few are as universally beloved as C-3PO. This is in no small part due to the incredible performance of Anthony Daniels. His portrayal of the fussy droid has brought joy to millions of fans around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anthony Daniels is the only actor to appear in every main Star Wars movie, thanks to his unforgettable portrayal of C-3PO. Despite the challenges that came with playing a character like this, Daniels managed to create a performance that will be remembered by fans for generations.