Despite playing one of the most iconic characters in sci-fi history, it may come as a surprise to some that Mark Hamill used to ‘downplay’ his role in the Star Wars trilogy.

The actor, 73, is known for his famous role as Luke Skywalker in the legendary film series, but in a new interview has shared how his assocation with the franchise led him to be snubbed from some high calibre roles.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Mark shared that he used to try and gloss over his role in the original trilogy while carving out a career away from Star Wars in the 1990s.

He famously starred alongside Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher in George Lucas’ original trilogy from 1977 to 1983.

Mark shared that he tried to audition for a leading role in the film adaptation of Amadeus, after success playing the part on stage, but was bluntly told by director Milos Forman: ‘Oh no no, the Luke Skywalker is not to be being the Mozart.’

He then began to minimise mention of his Star Wars work in his Broadway credits, before his co-star Carrie issued some stern words of advice, telling him: ‘Get over yourself. You’re Luke Skywalker. I’m Princess Leia. Embrace it.’

Mark Hamill has revealed he used to ‘downplay’ his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars trilogy, after being snubbed from high calibre roles

The actor is known for his famous role as Luke Skywalker in the legendary film series but shared how used to distance himself from the part at times (pictured in Return Of The Jedi)

Mark said: ‘It wasn’t me that was the big star, it was the vehicle that is. Harrison is a wonderful actor. 

‘When I tested with him and we didn’t have the whole [Star Wrs] script, I just figured he was the leading man and I was the annoying sidekick. 

‘People would say, ”Oh, you know Harrison got nominated for an Oscar for…” whatever it was. I told them, ”He deserves it.” In other words, I can’t do what he does and nor would I try.’

Mark added that he’s content now to be known as ‘a working stiff,’ noting: ‘As a kid I’d see these character actors on The Twilight Zone and The Dick Van Dyke Show and I filed that away. ”I love that guy. He’s always good. He shows up all the time in all these different things. What’s his name?” It’s me!’

This summer, Mark is set to star in two Stephen King adaptations, feelgood apocalyptic film The Life Of Chuck, and harrowing dystopian horror The Long Walk.

Hamill starred as Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy; which also included 1980’s Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and 1983’s Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. 

He then reprised the role again in 2015’s the Force Awakens. 

In the 2017 film The Last Jedi, Skywalker dies at the end, melding with The Force. He put on the mantel for what appeared to be the final time in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, as Luke’s spirit.

While carving out a career on Broadway, Mark shared that he began to minimise mention of his Star Wars work, before co-star Carrie Fisher urged him to ’embrace’ the role

Hamill previously said completing the Skywalker trilogy allowed for other adventures under the Star Wars umbrella. 

‘It was a whole new era for them,’ the action star explained on Sunday Today.

‘George (Lucas) gave them this amazing canvas, the entire galaxy. They can do westerns, mysteries, comedies, whodunits, anything within that realm of Star Wars,’ he said.

‘And they’re doing so well’ he added. ‘I love Rogue One, Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett.’

Hamill made brief appearances in both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett as Luke with the help of de-aging and motion capture effects.