Actor Anthony Daniels reflects on C-3PO in heartfelt video

STAR WARS has certainly changed over the years. What began as a simple space opera story evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Comics, toys, novels, and apparel all became the norm as the franchise conquered the universe. A number of actors have come and gone over the last four decades of the franchise. However, the one constant throughout all nine films has been actor Anthony Daniels.

The English actor has portrayed the role of C-3PO in all nine saga films and one horrendous Christmas special. Daniels' participation in the STAR WARS universe finally came to an end with the recent release of J.J. Abrams' THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. When someone has been associated with such a monumental film franchise for so long, it's hard not to be reflective. The Salisbury native is no different and in a recent video interview with Variety, Daniels talked about playing the droid George Lucas made famous:

What's fascinating to me is that the difference maker for Daniels was not George Lucas but rather Ralph McQuarrie.The fact that one of his images convinced Anthony Daniels of C-3PO's importance makes sense. The man has inspired thousands of artists for decades and his indelible images are forever linked to the STAR WARS universe. It was also funny to have Daniels recount the difficulties of fitting into the C-3PO suit and how much Liz Moore's adjustments helped.

Although Anthony Daniels is quite the loquacious person and not averse to self-promotion, there's an air of sincerity that rings throughout this video. He's keenly aware of how much this franchise has meant to him personally…even if his favorite line is a little morbid. However, I think he's even more aware of how much STAR WARS has meant to people globally. It's not hyperbole to state that STAR WARS has literally changed lives. The movies have inspired a whole new generation of filmmakers, found their way into political speeches, and even brought a few couples together.

Regardless of your personal feelings about THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, one of the highlights for me was C-3PO's role in the film. The prissy protocol droid was mostly sidelined for THE FORCE AWAKENS and THE LAST JEDI, so it was good to see him actually have something to do this time around. Indeed C-3PO's role was integral to the plot and it is fitting that the character who uttered the first words of dialogue in the franchise had such a significant role. While STAR WARS will continue, the droid who's fluent in over six million forms of communication has finally said his last words.

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is currently in theaters everywhere.