84.George Lucas: The Man Behind Star Wars

George Lucas is an American screenwriter, producer, and , who is known mostly for his popular Star series of movies. He is a California native graduated from the University of Southern California, where learned how to create films. His interest in effects, and science fiction were the driving force the Star Wars franchise, which he launched in . Star Wars has become one of the largest most successful film franchises in the history of .

Born in Modesto, California on May 14, 1944, developed an early passion for fast cars racing. moving on to the film school at USC, raced cars throughout the central California region he up in. At USC, Lucas was fascinated by filmmaking process. In 1967, one of his films a national student film festival contest. That film released years later as THX 1138, which won acclaim.

Although Lucas is forever tied to his Wars series of films, he has been involved several Hollywood blockbusters, including American Graffiti, and the Jones movies. He earned critical acclaim for these as well. Star Wars, however, is his legacy. the original film was first shown in 1977, were captivated by it. The film depicts a universe where good battles evil with good coming on top. Americans wanted more, and Lucas was to accommodate them. His sequels The Empire Strikes , and Return of the Jedi, became two of most anticipated films in recent history and both very well at the box office.

In 1999, gave the American movie-going public what they wanted - more Star Wars. The Phantom Menace was first of the next three films, and continued legacy of the film franchise of Lucas.