The Stars of ‘Star Wars’ and All Their TV Appearances (PHOTOS)
Mark Hamill
Years prior to landing his role as Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill was part of one of TV’s longest running soap shows, General Hospital. Although he didn’t play the “Luke” from GH, he did appear from 1972-1973 on the show as character Kent Murray. In recent years the Star Wars vet has appeared on shows like NBC’s Chuck
(pictured above).
Carrie Fisher
Making many appearances over the years in popular TV shows, the late Princess Leia actress was best known for her recurring role as Peter Griffin’s boss, Angela, on the adult cartoon series Family Guy. In late 2007, Fisher also guest starred in Tina Fey’s hit series 30 Rock as former comedy writer that Fey’s Liz Lemon once idolized. Fisher’s last TV role though, was as Rob Delaney’s mother in the Amazon series Catastrophe.
Harrison Ford
The incomparable Han Solo may be no more in the Star Wars series, but Harrison Ford has certainly made his mark in TV. In 1966, Ford made his TV debut in a series called The Virginian, and made multiple appearances in other series prior to becoming the man known as both Han and Indiana Jones. Among those credits are shows like The F.B.I. (above), Mod Squad, Gunsmoke and more.
John Boyega
Before he was Finn – the Stormtrooper defector – Boyega found some small screen fame, first on the oddball fantasy dramedy Becoming Human in 2011. The blockbuster star later appeared in the miniseries reboot of 24, as Chris Tanner in 24: Live Another Day (2014) alongside Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer.
Oscar Isaac
Like many big movie actors, Oscar Isaac got his start on the long running detective series Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In the 2006 episode titled “The Healer,” Isaac plays Robbie Paulson. Yet Isaac received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award for his portrayal of Nick Wasicsko in the HBO miniseries Show Me a Hero in 2015.
Gwendoline Christie
The Captain Phasma actress may be covered in head-to-toe armor for her role in Star Wars, but she had plenty of practice from her TV role in another popular series. That series is obviously HBO’s Game of Thrones, which has a following that nearly equals Wars’ decades-old fandom. Christie also appears in the acclaimed drama Top of the Lake alongside The Handmaid’s Tale star, Elisabeth Moss.
Domhnall Gleeson
Gleeson, who has been seen in more roles over the passing years, is currently playing General Hux in the Star Wars films, but he has also made TV appearances in the recent past. In particular, Gleeson’s most recent TV role includes the character Ash in the Black Mirror episode titled “Be Right Back”.
Adam Driver
Similar to his new generation Star Wars actors, Driver made small appearances in TV shows, like Isaac, he had one-episode stints on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU. Yet it is Driver’s role from 2012-2017 as Adam Sackler on the HBO hit series Girls for which he will best be remembered in TV.
Billy Dee Williams
After establishing his role in the Star Wars universe, Williams, who plays Lando Calrissian in the franchise, went on to feature in a popular TV show of the eighties – Dynasty. Appearing in episodes over the course of 1984-1985, Williams played Brady Lloyd, a top dog in the music industry of Dynasty’s world. Another memorable guest role of his is Pastor Dan on Fox’s That ’70s Show.
Ewan McGregor
Prior to becoming Obi-Wan Kenobi, McGregor had small TV roles, but made his biggest splash on the small screen within the last year. The Star Wars actor played not one, but two roles in the third season of the anthology series, Fargo on FX. McGregor played twins, Emmit and Ray Stussy, whose rivalry made the season something special.
Natalie Portman
After establishing herself as a film actress, Portman, who played Padmé in Star Wars, went on to lend her voice to The Simpsons as Darcy, one of Bart Simpson’s romantic interests. Besides dabbling in comedy, Portman made the awards show rounds, in particular at the The 83rd Annual Academy Awards in 2011, when she won Best Actress for the film Black Swan.
Billie Lourd
As the daughter of Carrie Fisher, Lourd is no stranger to Star Wars, but she had the opportunity to act alongside her mom in the role of Lieutenant Connix in the new films. Lourd’s acting credits are mostly made up of TV roles though, including parts in Scream Queens and American Horror Story.
Jimmy Smits
Smits may have played Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise, but as an actor, he is known for his memorable TV roles. In 1994, the actor began playing Detective Bobby Simone, on NYPD Blue, which would last until 2004. Another role Smits is well known for is his character Matthew Santos on the hit political drama The West Wing. Among his other credits are roles in shows like Sons of Anarchy, The Get Down, and L.A. Law.
A fervor that burned over 30 years ago is still going strong as the newest addition to the Star Wars universe, The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters. What some less enthusiastic fans might not know though, is that many of their favorite galactic heroes have made appearances on the small screen before, during, and after their run in the fan favorite film franchise.
Some voiced characters in popular cartoons, one may have gotten their start in a popular soap series, and another recently took part in a hit anthology series. Scroll through the gallery to see where one of the world’s most recognizable casts have appeared through TV history.
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