Fame is not always a gift for many celebrities, and a recent incident with Star Wars legend Mark Hamill exemplifies it.
A swarm of fans gathered around Hamill to try and get his autograph, and they refused to stop, even with the actor perched on the backseat of his SUV clearly not enjoying the moment.
I am beside myself. Inconsolably sickened. THIS IS NOT HOW TO TREAT YOUR HERO’S. Everyone in this video owes @MarkHamill a written fucking apology for their greed and selfishness. How he manages to remain a kind soul after decades of this behavior toward him is beyond me. pic.twitter.com/WVNkGHey8Q
— Luke Slaywalker | 🌃 | #RoTJ40th (@skywalkuzzy) May 7, 2023
Neither Hamill nor his numerous other fans took this exhibition of toxic fandom in a good spirit. The 71-year-old actor, along with many fans, expressed their disapproval on Twitter.
#TheDownsideOfCelebrity https://t.co/dAbE4z4UfB
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 8, 2023
Hamill was quick to point the woes of celebrities.
🙏❤️
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 9, 2023
He sympathized with a user sharing a pretty similar experience.
Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are to be that offensive? Why don’t you just back off and think before posting stuff like that?
— Colton Riesgaard (@ColtonRiesgaard) May 8, 2023
A war of words erupted when a user called out a comment which contained no words of solace for Hamill, but rather took the opportunity to humiliate his supporters.
Sorry Mr.Hamill that’s something like that you had to go through and I’m sure it’s not the first time. Thank you for staying active with your fans that respect you and your privacy.
— Storm Taker (@StormTaker_) May 8, 2023
I hope they arrange better security for you the next time you go out to an event.
That’s gotta suck.. I’m sure you’d love to just go outside every once and awhile and breathe some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors without someone shoving something in your face to sign. Folks just got to learn how to give give each other some personal space..
— Derek Reinholtz (@derek_reinholtz) May 8, 2023
Nonetheless, outpourings of sympathies as well as words of encouragements continue.
Where’s obi-wan when you need em 😢
— ChipmanForRichmond (@MrLegacyJones) May 8, 2023
Sorry you were treated as just a signature instead of a person 🙏🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/WEz63I8iZE
Where’s the Jedi protector when you need him?
The harrowing episode also led many to revisit his contribution to the globally renowned franchise. His phenomenal performance as Luke Skywalker is still remembered as one of the greatest in the history of sci-fi cinema, and every Star Wars installment up to now has taken inspiration from the original movies where he was the ultimate hero.
Hamill’s superstardom will remain unchallenged, but hopefully from now on, the admiration for the actor doesn’t turn into mayhem.