01of 21George Lucas' Life in PhotosKurt Krieger/Corbis via GettyDirector, writer, producer and creator of some of the most beloved films of all time, George Lucas has collected his share of accolades through the years.Born and raised in Modesto, California and an alumni of University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Lucas grew up to become the creator ofStar Wars,Indiana Jonesand more.

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George Lucas' Life in Photos

Kurt Krieger/Corbis via Getty

A portrait of the American producer-director George Lucas, taken in Munich, Germany. Lucas' credits include Star Wars, Indiana Jones and American Graffiti.

Director, writer, producer and creator of some of the most beloved films of all time, George Lucas has collected his share of accolades through the years.

Born and raised in Modesto, California and an alumni of University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Lucas grew up to become the creator ofStar Wars,Indiana Jonesand more.

02of 21Teaming Up with Francis Ford CoppolaSunset Boulevard/Corbis via GettyLucas teamed up with friend, collaborator and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola numerous times over the course of this career after they met while Lucas was a graduate student at USC.In 1969, the pair founded American Zoetrope production company.In 1973, Lucas wrote and directed the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated filmAmerican Graffiti, which Coppola produced. The pair teamed up again in 1986 forTucker: The Man and His Dream

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Teaming Up with Francis Ford Coppola

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Lucas teamed up with friend, collaborator and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola numerous times over the course of this career after they met while Lucas was a graduate student at USC.

In 1969, the pair founded American Zoetrope production company.

In 1973, Lucas wrote and directed the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated filmAmerican Graffiti, which Coppola produced. The pair teamed up again in 1986 forTucker: The Man and His Dream

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1977: In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

British actor Alec Guinness with American director, screenwriter and producer George Lucas on the set of his movie Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

The creator took us all to a galaxy far, far, away with the franchise’s first film,Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Lucas toldEntertainment Tonightof his idea, “The Western was sort of the last real mythological genre. And I couldn’t make a Western. Westerns were out of style at that point, and I wasn’t that interested in Westerns anyway. And I said, ‘What is going to take over, because nothing has replaced it.’ Nothing replaced the Western.”

“And I said, ‘Maybe it’ll be space. And I like space. Space is fun, so we’ll create a kind of fantasy space world where I can tell some time-worn stories.'”

04of 211983: Return of the JediSunset Boulevard/Corbis via GettyThe franchise continued to grow, with 1980’sThe Empire Strikes Backand 1983’sReturn of the Jedi.Lucas would eventually return to the franchise in 1999, filming three prequels to the existing films:Episode I: Phantom Menace, and then 2002’sEpisode II:Attack of the Clonesand 2005’sEpisode III: Revenge of the Sith.The films are now among the highest-grossing franchises in the world.

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1983: Return of the Jedi

American director, screenwriter and producer George Lucas looks at the Death Star from Return of the Jedi.

The franchise continued to grow, with 1980’sThe Empire Strikes Backand 1983’sReturn of the Jedi.Lucas would eventually return to the franchise in 1999, filming three prequels to the existing films:Episode I: Phantom Menace, and then 2002’sEpisode II:Attack of the Clonesand 2005’sEpisode III: Revenge of the Sith.

The films are now among the highest-grossing franchises in the world.

05of 211988: George Lucas on the Set of WillowLucasfilm/MGM/Courtesy of GettyIn 1988, Lucas teamed up with director Ron Howard for a fantasy film,Willow.

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1988: George Lucas on the Set of Willow

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American actor and director Ron Howard, actor Dawn Downing, American director and producer George Lucas, and British actor Warwick Davis discuss a scene on the set of the fantasy feature film, ‘Willow,’ 1988.

In 1988, Lucas teamed up with director Ron Howard for a fantasy film,Willow.

06of 211990: Presenting an Honorary AwardMiguel Rajmil/IMAGES/GettyIn 1990, Lucas and Steven Spielberg (then called"two of the new kids on the block"in their introduction) teamed up to present an honorary Oscar to director Akira Kurosawa.

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1990: Presenting an Honorary Award

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Steven Spielberg, Akira Kurosawa and George Lucas attends the 62nd Academy Awards circa 1990 in Los Angeles, California

In 1990, Lucas and Steven Spielberg (then called"two of the new kids on the block"in their introduction) teamed up to present an honorary Oscar to director Akira Kurosawa.

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1992: Being Honored at the Academy Awards

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Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award recipient George Lucas stands with director Steven Spielberg at the 64th annual Academy Awards March 30, 1992 in Los Angeles, CA. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded five Oscars to the film “Silence of the Lambs."

08of 211994: Congrats, GradsRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyIn 1994, Lucas — who graduated from the University of Southern California in 1967 — attended the school’s 111th commencement ceremony, where he and pal and director, Steven Spielberg (not pictured) were honored.

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1994: Congrats, Grads

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George Lucas during USC’s 111th Commencement Ceremony for the 1994 Graduates - May 5, 1994 at Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, United States.

In 1994, Lucas — who graduated from the University of Southern California in 1967 — attended the school’s 111th commencement ceremony, where he and pal and director, Steven Spielberg (not pictured) were honored.

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1997: Celebrating the Release of Star Wards: Special Edition

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George Lucas, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill with R2-D2, Darth Vader, C-3PO and Chewbacca

10of 211999: George Lucas with His DaughtersBrenda ChaseLucas was married to film editor Marcia Lou Griffin from 1969 to 1983. Together the pair welcomed daughter Amanda via adoption in 1981. After their 1983 divorce, Lucas went on to adopt two more children, daughter Katie in 1988 and son Jett in 1993. His kids even made cameos in theStar Warsprequels!Pictured is Lucas with his daughters at the 1999 Golden Globes.

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1999: George Lucas with His Daughters

Brenda Chase

Beverly Hills, CA. Director, George Lucas (“Star Wars”) with his daughters at the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Lucas was married to film editor Marcia Lou Griffin from 1969 to 1983. Together the pair welcomed daughter Amanda via adoption in 1981. After their 1983 divorce, Lucas went on to adopt two more children, daughter Katie in 1988 and son Jett in 1993. His kids even made cameos in theStar Warsprequels!

Pictured is Lucas with his daughters at the 1999 Golden Globes.

11of 211999: Meeting with RoyaltyJohn Stillwell - PA Images/PA Images via GettyIn 1999, Lucas metPrince Charlesat the premiere ofStar Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menacein London. Also present were two of the film’s stars, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor. The return to the franchise was Lucas’ first time directing in over two decades.

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1999: Meeting with Royalty

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Prince Charles (L) greets director George Lucas (R), while stars Ewan (2nd R) McGregor and Natalie Portman (3rd R) look on at the Royal Premiere of Star Wars: Episode 1, The Phantom Menace, at Leicester Square, London.

In 1999, Lucas metPrince Charlesat the premiere ofStar Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menacein London. Also present were two of the film’s stars, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor. The return to the franchise was Lucas' first time directing in over two decades.

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SGranitz/WireImage

George Lucas & Sofia Coppola during 2001 MTV Movie Awards - Press Room at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States.

13of 212005: Joking Around with a Stormtrooper in CannesDave Hogan/GettyAfter the premiere ofStar Wars III: Revenge of the Sithat Cannes Film Festival in 2005, Lucas joked around with a stormtrooper at the afterparty. The director was honored at the film festival for his career in cinema, in a ceremony held on board the Queen Mary 2.

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2005: Joking Around with a Stormtrooper in Cannes

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Director George Lucas jokes with a Storm Trooper at the “Star Wars III Revenge of the Sith” screening after party at Le Baoli during the 58th International Cannes Film Festival May 15, 2005 in Cannes, France.

After the premiere ofStar Wars III: Revenge of the Sithat Cannes Film Festival in 2005, Lucas joked around with a stormtrooper at the afterparty. The director was honored at the film festival for his career in cinema, in a ceremony held on board the Queen Mary 2.

14of 212007: Lucas Helps Present at the Academy AwardsLester Cohen/GettyIn 2007, Lucas joined fellow filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg as they awarded Martin Scorcese with the Best Directing Oscar. Spielberg and Coppola, who had both won the award previously, poked fun at Lucas for not having won an Academy Award.Lucas has been nominated for four Academy Awards: He was up for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Director in 1974and1978.

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2007: Lucas Helps Present at the Academy Awards

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Martin Scorsese (2nd from left), winner Best Director for ?The Departed? with presenters Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas during the The 79th Annual Academy Awards - Press Room at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

In 2007, Lucas joined fellow filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg as they awarded Martin Scorcese with the Best Directing Oscar. Spielberg and Coppola, who had both won the award previously, poked fun at Lucas for not having won an Academy Award.

Lucas has been nominated for four Academy Awards: He was up for both Best Original Screenplay and Best Director in 1974and1978.

15of 212008: Attending the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull PremiereKoichi Kamoshida/GettyLucas, who also created theIndiana Jonesmovie franchise, attended the 2008 premiere ofIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skullin Japan alongside the franchise’s star, Harrison Ford. Ford had also starred as Han Solo in Lucas’Star Warsfranchise.

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2008: Attending the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Premiere

Koichi Kamoshida/Getty

Actor Harrison Ford (L) and Executive producer and writer George Lucas attend “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” Japan Premiere at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium on June 5, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open on June 21 in Japan.

Lucas, who also created theIndiana Jonesmovie franchise, attended the 2008 premiere ofIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skullin Japan alongside the franchise’s star, Harrison Ford. Ford had also starred as Han Solo in Lucas’Star Warsfranchise.

16of 212010: George Lucas at the Golden GlobesVince Bucci/NBCU Photo BankGeorge Lucas laughs while attending the Golden Globes in 2010. Lucas has been nominated for two Golden Globes: one in 1974 forAmerican Graffitiand another in 1978 forStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

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2010: George Lucas at the Golden Globes

Vince Bucci/NBCU Photo Bank

Tom Hanks and George Lucas during the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010

George Lucas laughs while attending the Golden Globes in 2010. Lucas has been nominated for two Golden Globes: one in 1974 forAmerican Graffitiand another in 1978 forStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

17of 212006: Accepting the National Medal of TechnologyMark Wilson/GettyLucas, who founded the motion picture visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic in 1975, accepted the National Medal of Technology from President George Bush in 2006 alongside the company’s president, Chrissie England.

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2006: Accepting the National Medal of Technology

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President George W. Bush (R) presents Director George Lucas (L) and Chrissie England, President of Industrial Light & Magic, with the National Medal of Science and Technology award in the East Room of the White House February 13, 2006 in Washington, DC. The National Medal of Science is the nations? highest scientific honor established by Congress in 1959.

Lucas, who founded the motion picture visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic in 1975, accepted the National Medal of Technology from President George Bush in 2006 alongside the company’s president, Chrissie England.

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2012: George Lucas Is Presented with the National Medal of Arts

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US President Barack Obama presents the 2012 National Medal of Arts to director George Lucas during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on July 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN

19of 212013: Lucas weds Mellody HobsonKevin Mazur/WireImageAfter meeting Mellody Hobson in 2006, George Lucas and the businesswoman wed in 2013 at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch.Hobsontold Oprah in 2012 of their relationship: “I think it works because we are extraordinarily open-minded people and we’re open to what the universe brings us. I think we didn’t have preconceived ideas about what a partnership should be and so we allowed ourselves to discover something that was unexpected.“The pair share one daughter, Everest, who was born in August 2013.

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2013: Lucas weds Mellody Hobson

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Mellody Hobson and George Lucas during Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People 2007 - Cocktail Party and Dinner at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, New York, United States.

After meeting Mellody Hobson in 2006, George Lucas and the businesswoman wed in 2013 at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch.

Hobsontold Oprah in 2012 of their relationship: “I think it works because we are extraordinarily open-minded people and we’re open to what the universe brings us. I think we didn’t have preconceived ideas about what a partnership should be and so we allowed ourselves to discover something that was unexpected.”

The pair share one daughter, Everest, who was born in August 2013.

20of 212015: George Lucas Takes on a New RoleJason Merritt/GettyWhile Lucas semi-retired with the sale of Lucasfilm to Walt Disney (for a whopping $4.05 billion!), he continued to work as a creative consultant on theStar Warssequel trilogy. Here, he attends the premiere ofThe Force Awakenswith the film’s director, J.J. Abrams, who he hand-picked to direct the films.Lucas' son, Jett, toldThe Guardianin 2013 that his father was “constantly talking to J.J. … He is there to guide, whenever, he’ll help where he can. At the same time, he wants to let it go and become its new generation.”

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2015: George Lucas Takes on a New Role

Jason Merritt/Getty

Filmmaker George Lucas (L) and writer-director J.J. Abrams attend the Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California.

While Lucas semi-retired with the sale of Lucasfilm to Walt Disney (for a whopping $4.05 billion!), he continued to work as a creative consultant on theStar Warssequel trilogy. Here, he attends the premiere ofThe Force Awakenswith the film’s director, J.J. Abrams, who he hand-picked to direct the films.

Lucas' son, Jett, toldThe Guardianin 2013 that his father was “constantly talking to J.J. … He is there to guide, whenever, he’ll help where he can. At the same time, he wants to let it go and become its new generation.”

21of 212019: George Lucas at the Opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge(L-R) Billy Dee Williams, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Mark Hamill.Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via GettyIn 2019, Lucas joinedforces(get it?) with original franchise stars Billy Dee Williams, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland theme park.

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2019: George Lucas at the Opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

(L-R) Billy Dee Williams, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Mark Hamill.Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort via Getty

Billy Dee Williams, George Lucas, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill

In 2019, Lucas joinedforces(get it?) with original franchise stars Billy Dee Williams, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland theme park.

source: people.com