Early Life and Education of George Lucas: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of George Lucas, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

George Lucas is an American filmmaker, best known for creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. He is the founder of Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX. A pioneer of the New Hollywood movement and modern blockbuster, Lucas is considered a significant figure in 20th-century cinema. He sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012. Despite his blockbuster success, he has largely remained an independent filmmaker.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1969: Marriage to Marcia Lou Griffin

In 1969, George Lucas married film editor Marcia Lou Griffin, who later won an Academy Award for her editing work on the original Star Wars film.

1981: Adoption of Amanda Lucas

In 1981, George Lucas and Marcia Lou Griffin adopted a daughter named Amanda Lucas.

1983: Divorce from Marcia Lou Griffin

In 1983, George Lucas divorced film editor Marcia Lou Griffin.

1988: Birth of daughter Katie Lucas

In 1988, George Lucas adopted his daughter Katie Lucas as a single parent.

1991: The George Lucas Educational Foundation Founded

In 1991, The George Lucas Educational Foundation was founded as a nonprofit operating foundation to celebrate and encourage innovation in schools.

1993: Birth of son Jett Lucas

In 1993, George Lucas adopted his son Jett Lucas as a single parent.

1996: Telecommunications Act

In 1996, Lucas, through his foundation, was one of the leading proponents of the E-Rate program in the universal service fund, which was enacted as part of the Telecommunications Act.

2005: Met Mellody Hobson

In 2005, George Lucas met Mellody Hobson at a business conference.

September 19, 2006: Donation to USC Film School

On September 19, 2006, the University of Southern California announced that George Lucas donated $175–180 million to his alma mater to expand the film school. This donation is the largest single donation to USC and the largest gift to a film school anywhere.

2006: Began dating Mellody Hobson

In 2006, George Lucas began dating Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments and chairwoman of Starbucks, after meeting in 2005.

2007: Grand Marshal for Tournament of Roses Parade

In 2007, George Lucas served as Grand Marshal for the Tournament of Roses Parade and made the ceremonial coin toss at the Rose Bowl.

June 24, 2008: Testimony Before Congress

On June 24, 2008, George Lucas testified before the United States House of Representatives subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet as the head of his Foundation to advocate for a free wireless broadband educational network.

July 2, 2010: Rockwell Collection Displayed at Smithsonian

From July 2, 2010, to January 2, 2011, a collection of 57 Norman Rockwell paintings and drawings owned by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in an exhibition titled "Telling Stories".

January 2, 2011: End of Rockwell exhibit at Smithsonian

On January 2, 2011, the exhibition titled "Telling Stories" showcasing a collection of 57 Norman Rockwell paintings and drawings owned by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, closed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

January 2012: Retirement Announcement

In January 2012, George Lucas announced his retirement from producing large blockbuster films, and instead would re-focus his career on smaller, independently budgeted features.

2012: Sale of Lucasfilm

In 2012, George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company for $4.05 billion, intending to donate the majority of the proceeds to charity.

January 2013: Engagement to Mellody Hobson

In January 2013, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson announced their engagement.

June 22, 2013: Marriage to Mellody Hobson

On June 22, 2013, George Lucas married Mellody Hobson at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California.

August 2013: Birth of daughter via surrogate

In August 2013, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson had a daughter, born via surrogate.

April 15, 2016: Donation to Obama Foundation

On April 15, 2016, it was reported that George Lucas had donated between $501,000 and $1 million through the Lucas Family Foundation (now the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation) to the Obama Foundation, which is charged with overseeing the construction of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side.

2016: Supported Hillary Clinton

In 2016, George Lucas supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the run-up for the U.S. presidential election.

2021: Donation to NYU for Martin Scorsese Institute

In 2021, George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson made a donation to NYU through the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation to establish the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts.

2021: Stormtrooper action figure released

In 2021, coinciding with Lucasfilm's 50th anniversary, an action figure of George Lucas in stormtrooper disguise was released as part of Hasbro's Star Wars: The Black Series.