Mark Hamill – the name forever immortalized in pop culture as Luke Skywalker – recently appeared on late-night TV to promote his new film The Long Walk, an adaptation of Stephen King’s earliest novel. But the conversation went far beyond the movie, revealing untold stories about Hamill’s youth, his struggles breaking into the industry, and even the fateful moment he met Beatles legend George Harrison.

From Copy Boy to Young Actor

Before the world knew his name, Hamill worked odd jobs: as a copy boy for the Associated Press, scooping ice cream, and serving food at Jack in the Box. “Nothing glamorous,” he recalled. But the Hollywood dream soon pulled him to Los Angeles—without even a car. With no Uber back then, Hamill often hitchhiked to auditions.

One of his earliest TV roles was playing Laurie Partridge’s boyfriend on The Partridge Family. “I’d be standing by the freeway at 5:30 a.m. with a sign that said ‘Columbia Ranch,’ waiting for someone kind enough to pick me up,” he said. On one occasion, none other than teen idol David Cassidy pulled over. “I panicked and lied that my car had broken down,” Hamill laughed.

From Tiger Beat to Meeting George Harrison

Few remember that Mark Hamill once appeared in the teen magazine Tiger Beat, alongside heartthrobs like Shawn and David Cassidy. Though he never pursued the “teen idol” lane, Star Wars would soon make him the childhood hero of millions.

But the story that stunned the audience was the one about meeting George Harrison on a flight. Too shy to approach, Hamill scribbled a note thanking Harrison for “writing the soundtrack of my life.” Moments later, the flight attendant returned: “Mr. Harrison would like to meet you.”

Hamill recalled, “I was choking up, just trying to tell him how much his music changed my life. And George, cool as ever, looked up and said: ‘You’re not so bad yourself.’”

Entering The Long Walk – Stephen King and the Next Generation

In The Long Walk, Hamill plays “The Major” – the antagonist who oversees a brutal contest where young men must walk nonstop until only one remains alive. “At first I struggled with the violence,” Hamill admitted. “But director Francis Lawrence explained it’s just the device that sets up the real story: the psychology, friendships, and rivalries of these young guys.”

Interestingly, Stephen King personally had casting approval, and already knew Hamill would be “The Major” before filming began. “When I met King at the Toronto Film Festival, I pretended to be calm, but inside I was screaming: ‘Oh my god, it’s Stephen King!’” Hamill said.

The Takeaway: A Humble Legend

Though now a global icon, Hamill remains grounded. From hitchhiking with a cardboard sign, to being recognized by George Harrison, his story shows that legends aren’t born overnight—they’re built through persistence, luck, and a sense of humor.

The Long Walk hits theaters on September 12th, promising a chilling yet emotional journey, and marking another bold chapter in Mark Hamill’s ever-evolving career.