Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Q&A: Anthony Daniels Talks Long Ride as C-3PO in 'Star Wars'
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 6 years ago on
December 20, 2019

Share

LOS ANGELES — Anthony Daniels went through a painful experience after not receiving the same amount of public recognition as other co-stars when the first “Star Wars” film was released in 1977.
But in time, Daniels’ C-3PO character became one of the most popular in the franchise and he’s the only cast member to have appeared in all nine of the main “Star Wars” films. The British actor plays the soft-spoken “protocol droid” built by young Anakin Skywalker that is fluent in six million languages. His gold-plated character also appeared in the franchise’s spin-off “Rogue One,” and had a cameo in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”
C-3PO’s witty exchanges with fellow droid R2-D2 often served as comic relief, making the tandem fan favorites.
It’s been a long ride for the 73-year-old Daniels, who believes his appearance in “The Rise of Skywalker,” which opens in theaters Friday, will likely be his last film appearance as C-3PO. He highlights his “Star Wars” experiences in his new memoir “I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story,” which was released in late October.
In a recent interview, Daniels spoke with The Associated Press about playing C-3PO and reflects on some of the best memories in the past 42 years in the iconic franchise.

Photo of R2-D2, left, and C-3PO characters
R2-D2, left, and C-3PO characters arrive at world premiere of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in Los Angeles (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
AP: What has it been like to be in all nine films?
Daniels: It’s been a ton of work, and a ton of employment, which is great. As an actor, you’re always looking for the next job. And often that next job for me has been something to do with “Star Wars.” The friendship and companionship of being C-3PO has been quite a gift.
AP: Are you surprised “Star Wars” made it this far?
Daniels: At the end of “A New Hope,” the original film, I thought that was it. Twelve weeks of weird and difficult work. Not entirely wonderful. I thought that was it. Then they came and said “Let’s make another one, then another.” … So I’ve been swept along by forces beyond my control. But finally, it is ending.
AP: Is “A New Hope” your favorite film compared to the rest?
Daniels: Yes, because I understood it. The story was simple enough that I got it. It got a bit complicated after that. It was an innocent film out of nowhere.
AP: It was your favorite film, but you struggled with being overlooked after “Star Wars'” release as well, right?
Daniels: It was difficult not being associated with the film when it first came out. That was a painful experience that lasted quite a while, but then changed over the course in time. It brings me here today with my name on the poster. Only parents care about that sort of thing.
“It was difficult not being associated with the film when it first came out. That was a painful experience that lasted quite a while, but then changed over the course in time. It brings me here today with my name on the poster. Only parents care about that sort of thing.” — Anthony Daniels
AP: What has been your most memorable experience?
Daniels: In the desert on the first episode. It was absolutely riveting. It had such an impact. Seeing the effect of people looking at me in the costume then seeing their reactions. You are the center of attention. They can’t see you, but you’re absorbing the energy. That was pretty intense. That stays with me.
AP: When you put on your costume, what goes through your mind?
Daniels: Here we go again. Why am I doing this? And then, adrenaline is a great thing when somebody on set says “action.” Suddenly, your professional skills take over. The adrenaline gently sets in and you put up with stuff. You make it work as a professional actor.
AP: What does the character, C-3PO, mean to you?
Daniels: He’s kind of my friend, my companion. He’s somebody I know quite well. I want to be with him all the time. I’m proud to know him.
“He’s kind of my friend, my companion. He’s somebody I know quite well. I want to be with him all the time. I’m proud to know him.” — Anthony Daniels when asked what C-3PO means to him 
AP: What was it like for you not having Carrie Fisher around during filming “The Rise of Skywalker?”
Daniels: It was little wistful. But she is so there in all these films. You sort of forget that she’s died, because she’s just there. That’s the magic of the media. Nobody is really gone anymore. You may not be able to physically touch them. But they are there. There are fond memories.
AP: What mark has your character and “Star Wars” left?
Daniels: It’s so big that I kind of don’t get it yet. I need to be away from it for a while. Maybe I need to talk to more fans. So many people say “Thank you for my childhood.” We have given people a lot of stuff. They have given back with all their enthusiasm and affection.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

4 Million Acres of California Forests Could Lose Protection. What Trump’s ‘Roadless Rule’ Repeal Could Do

DON'T MISS

Israeli Settlers Raid West Bank Town, Troops Kill 3 Palestinians

DON'T MISS

West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Fresno County

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Netanyahu’s Trial Should Be Canceled

DON'T MISS

St. Agnes’ New Chief Medical Officer Is a Kidney Care Expert

DON'T MISS

US Military to Create Two New Border Zones, Officials Say

DON'T MISS

Trump Signals US May Ease Iran Oil Sanction Enforcement to Help Rebuild Country

DON'T MISS

CIA Says Intelligence Indicates Iran’s Nuclear Program Severely Damaged

DON'T MISS

Upscale Woodward Park Area Apartments Sell for $19 Million

DON'T MISS

Wired Wednesday: Learn the Latest on the Caleb Quick Murder Hearings

UP NEXT

Mariska Hargitay Comes to Terms With a Lifetime of Family Secrets

UP NEXT

The Secret to Finding the Best Travel Bargains

UP NEXT

Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 Levels Up With Four Days of Deals Starting July 8

UP NEXT

Fresno Now Has a Professional Shakespeare Co. Thanks to Measure P Sales Tax

UP NEXT

Hips Don’t Lie, and Neither Do Ticket Sales: Shakira Adds Fresno Show

UP NEXT

Canseco, Cheechoo to Sign Autographs When Chukchansi Cuts Ribbon on Top Golf

UP NEXT

Netflix Set to Launch Third Themed Venue in Las Vegas

UP NEXT

‘GTA VI’ Delay Weighs on Global Videogame Market Growth, Data Shows

UP NEXT

Protester Killed at Utah ‘No Kings’ Rally Was Fashion Designer From ‘Project Runway’

UP NEXT

Five Weeknight Dishes: Seven Ingredients or Fewer, Because Summer

Trump Says Netanyahu’s Trial Should Be Canceled

3 hours ago

St. Agnes’ New Chief Medical Officer Is a Kidney Care Expert

4 hours ago

US Military to Create Two New Border Zones, Officials Say

4 hours ago

Trump Signals US May Ease Iran Oil Sanction Enforcement to Help Rebuild Country

4 hours ago

CIA Says Intelligence Indicates Iran’s Nuclear Program Severely Damaged

5 hours ago

Upscale Woodward Park Area Apartments Sell for $19 Million

6 hours ago

Wired Wednesday: Learn the Latest on the Caleb Quick Murder Hearings

7 hours ago

Trump Administration Orders CA to Strip Trans Athlete of Medals

7 hours ago

Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Reboot Fast-Tracked to 2027

7 hours ago

Democratic Lawmaker Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting US Agents at Immigration Center

7 hours ago

4 Million Acres of California Forests Could Lose Protection. What Trump’s ‘Roadless Rule’ Repeal Could Do

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The Trump administration’s plan to repeal a rule prohibiti...

3 hours ago

Tahoe National Forest
3 hours ago

4 Million Acres of California Forests Could Lose Protection. What Trump’s ‘Roadless Rule’ Repeal Could Do

Palestinians gather to receive aid supplies in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
3 hours ago

Israeli Settlers Raid West Bank Town, Troops Kill 3 Palestinians

West Nile virus mosquito
3 hours ago

West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Fresno County

President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2025. (Reuters File)
3 hours ago

Trump Says Netanyahu’s Trial Should Be Canceled

4 hours ago

St. Agnes’ New Chief Medical Officer Is a Kidney Care Expert

A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle patrols along the border wall, following the establishment of a 260-mile military zone along the southern U.S. border in New Mexico and Texas as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, in Sunland Park, New Mexico, U.S., May 20, 2025. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

US Military to Create Two New Border Zones, Officials Say

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz, December 21, 2018. (Reuters File)
4 hours ago

Trump Signals US May Ease Iran Oil Sanction Enforcement to Help Rebuild Country

CIA Director John Ratcliffe speaks during an interview at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025. (Reuters File)
5 hours ago

CIA Says Intelligence Indicates Iran’s Nuclear Program Severely Damaged

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend