Mark Hamill, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the 'Star Wars' saga, paid a special visit to the White House, meeting with President Joe Biden and leaving with a memorable souvenir: a pair of the President's aviator sunglasses. During a brief appearance at the White House daily press briefing following his meeting with Biden, Hamill showcased his newfound presidential swag, playfully remarking on the "merch" as he donned the sunglasses.
Humorously sidestepping any inquiries about 'Star Wars', Hamill expressed his honor at the invitation to meet the President, noting that while he had visited the White House during previous administrations, this was his first time exploring the Oval Office—a moment he described as truly remarkable. Biden, according to Hamill, shared photographs and mementos from the Oval Office, providing an intimate glimpse into the heart of American power.
In their exchange, Biden invited Hamill to address him informally as "Joe", prompting a playful response from the actor: a suggestion to be addressed as "Joe-bi-Wan Kenobi," a nod to his iconic character's wisdom. Hamill, who also voiced the Joker in 'Batman: The Animated Series', shared lighthearted banter with reporters before departing.
While both Hamill and the White House remained discreet about the purpose of his visit, the actor, known for his active support of Democratic causes, has recently engaged in social media advocacy for Biden's re-election campaign. His posts, peppered with 'Star Wars' references, reflect his staunch political stance and commitment to democratic values.
Notably, Hamill has also contributed his voice to "Air Alert," an app linked to Ukraine's air defense system, urging citizens to seek shelter during Russian aerial attacks—a poignant gesture underscoring his solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
As 'Star Wars' enthusiasts celebrated May 4th as an unofficial holiday, paying homage to the franchise's iconic catchphrase, "May the fourth be with you," Hamill's visit to the White House added a touch of galactic flair to the day's events, blending fandom with political engagement in a uniquely Hamill-esque fashion.