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 and philanthropist, best known as the creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. He founded Lucasfilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX, contributing significantly to special effects and sound technology in filmmaking. Lucas is considered a key figure in the New Hollywood movement and a pioneer of the modern blockbuster, despite maintaining independence throughout his career. He sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 and was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Sections (4)

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

1969: Lucas Marries Marcia Lou Griffin

In 1969, George Lucas married film editor Marcia Lou Griffin.

1981: Lucas Adopts Daughter Amanda

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

1983: Lucas Divorces Marcia Lou Griffin

In 1983, George Lucas and Marcia Lou Griffin divorced.

1988: Lucas Adopts Daughter Katie

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

1993: Lucas Adopts Son Jett

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

2004: Lucas reflects on his transition

In 2004, George Lucas reflected on his transition from independent to corporate filmmaker. He noted that this shift mirrored the story of Darth Vader in some ways, but he was ultimately glad to have the freedom to make his films as he envisioned.

2005: Lucas Donates to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

In 2005, George Lucas donated $1 million to support the construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

2005: Lucas meets Mellody Hobson

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

September 19, 2006: Lucas Donates to USC Film School

On September 19, 2006, George Lucas donated between $175–180 million to the University of Southern California to expand the film school, marking the largest single donation to U.S.C. and the largest gift to a film school.

2006: Lucas Dates Mellody Hobson

In 2006, George Lucas began dating Mellody Hobson.

2007: Lucas Presents Best Director Award at Oscars

In 2007, George Lucas appeared at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony with Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola to present the Best Director award to Martin Scorsese.

2007: Lucas Serves as Grand Marshal

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

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: Rockwell Collection Displayed at Smithsonian

January 2012: Retirement from Blockbuster Films

In January 2012, George Lucas announced his retirement from producing large blockbuster films, shifting his focus to smaller, independently budgeted features.

2012: Lucas Sells Lucasfilm to Disney

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: Lucas and Hobson Announce Engagement

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

June 22, 2013: Lucas Marries Mellody Hobson

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

August 2013: Lucas and Hobson Welcome Daughter

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

2013: Lucas and Hobson Donate to After School Matters

In 2013, George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson donated $25 million to the Chicago-based not-for-profit After School Matters.

December 24, 2015: Lucas Compares Selling Lucasfilm to a Divorce

On December 24, 2015, George Lucas likened his decision to sell Lucasfilm to Disney to a divorce during an interview, outlining creative differences and defending his vision for the Star Wars films. He also criticized The Force Awakens for having a "retro feel" and later apologized for likening Disney to "white slavers".

April 15, 2016: Lucas Donates 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 to the Obama Foundation.

2016: Lucas Supports Hillary Clinton

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

2017: Lucas Praises The Last Jedi

In 2017, following the release of The Last Jedi, George Lucas described the film as "beautifully made".

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2021: Lucas and Hobson donate to NYU

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.