questions@anthonydaniels.com
Q I think it is a shame that they cut that very cool scene in Attack Of The Clones where C-3PO finally get dressed by Padmé (he is very lucky I guess)
Kris Van de Sande
A
Most people think they get lucky if they get un dressed!
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Q Since C-3PO was created on Tatooine, how in the world could he ask Luke in Ep:IV that he wasn't sure what planet he was on? Was there some sort of a memory wipe out? And also, did you notice that C-3PO never see's Darth Vador eye to eye?
Shawn, Canada
A Soon all will be revealed. Or Not. And many people don't see eye to eye with Vader. And not just because he's tall.
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Q One of my pieces had been recognized on your web page. You are calling it a forgery and posting it for everyone to see. This is perfectly OK with me if it is fake then please feel free to let people know. My only question why am I the last one to know about it? I bought that piece [and others] from what I thought was a honest dealer. It seems I have been scammed and I have removed all the items and will be going back to the individual and demanding refunds. It is 100% my fault I should have researched better. I m a member and the UACC and I take this business very seriously and I don't think that what you are doing is very fair.
I think at least you should inform the seller and see if action is taken to remove the item, if the seller doesn't then you can feel free to smear their name all you want. In my case you poke fun at the fact that I have more Star Wars figurines for sell with a smart little remark afterwards. I can assure you I watched them all get signed with my own eye. I have made a mistake and for that I am sorry. My intention isn't to mislead or cheat anyone. This business is built on trust and I trusted an unworthy dealer. I am very sorry for this and it won't happen again.
Your old friend. Andy AKA Amazing Autographs
A We are "calling it a forgery" because it is. But I suppose your question is mine too. Why are you "the last one to know," that it is a forgery? Because, if you take your role as seriously as you suggest, then shouldn't you be the first to know? I'm not happy that you feel it's unfair to advertise your sale of a fake without us going through the further effort and time to contact you and argue the point, possibly with nothing but a useless rebuttal. It takes enough time and resources to police the scams in the first place, even with the help of so many concerned fans. Might you, as a regular dealer, owe an obligation of due diligence to your clients who trust you on the good provenance of your sales? As for poking fun and smart remarks, perhaps bearing the sword of truth, you imply from membership of an association, is putting yourself on a pedestal at which snowballs might legitimately be aimed.
Your honest confession of your own 100% fault proves the worthlessness of such membership, at least as far as authentication standards go. I'm just showing my caring for innocent fans who might otherwise be duped by unscrupulous dealers, of which there seem to be so many. Look at the wide range of penmanship on the Darkside. It smears the whole fun of collecting as a hobby.
But I do believe that you are not someone who would deliberately cheat; though perhaps the sin of omission, in not checking the facts, is a sin of commission in thus perpetuating a lie. That said, I hope sincerely you wont be offended in keeping your name on the site, with a suitable - non smart - comment, to warn others who, like yourself, might be taken in by the cheats? Perhaps you could even join the team and expose the real wrongdoers. In which case, I would like to believe we could indeed go forward as "old friends."
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Q Are you ever planning to return to the insider? Shortly after the WC stopped, they ran several issues with statements that you would return with the WC after the prequels were finished. Has the changeover between their managements interfered? That's why I subscribed in the first place.
Chuckles
A I wrote the Wonder Column long time ago when the Insider was edited by the mighty Dan Madsen who has since gone from the moon of ewoks to deal with the world of orcs. (I'm not sure about either species myself.) Now the excellent www.starwars.com, edited by the brilliant and inventive Paul Ens, assisted by the equally astounding Pablo Hidalgo, is the place to find what most fans are looking for. Of course you can still read the back issues of the WC in the Journalism pages of this site. Read and marvel.
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Q I enjoy reading your recollections on your site. Most actors, I think, would get bored of a movie they did last week, not to mention twenty-plus years ago. But not you, and I find that truly refreshing. Also I have noticed that C3PO's voice in Episodes 1 and 2 is higher in pitch than in 4, 5, or 6. Is this a consequence of your aging, or are you actively trying to modify the voice in some way?
A The rather good thing about writing something down is that it endures on its own. If I had to read my recollections aloud every time a fan tuned to the website I'd be as mad as a Rancor's lunch box. As for the voice. A machine is a machine but as they get older and worn (rather like humans) the make different noises. Some of course are beyond discussion (you must ask Ja-Ja about those kinds) but others make sense, as bones or gears or vocal chords or sound emitting diaphragms get dried up and worn out. I decide that the young Threepio might legitimately sound a little brighter in pitch. We already know how he sounds in later years. And what's this "your aging" thing? Just you watch your language!
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Q I am a rather uniquely sized stormtrooper (5'11, 148 lbs) in the 501st Legion, and I'm very curious to know how many pieces your C-3PO costume is comprised of. And can you describe the process in which the costume is put on? If I ever have the opportunity to create and wear a protocol droid costume for charity functions, the information would be invaluable.
Keith Abbott
A Does size still matter after the Princess's cutting remark to the tousle-haired blond all those years ago? I am an honorary member of various platoons of the 501st and no one worries about my shape. But getting into my costume is something else. I think it's in seventeen pieces but I can't remember if I'm including myself. I shall check next time I have the pleasure, which looks like early 2005. Will it be the last? Anyway. Why would you ever consider going anywhere dressed as a protocol droid? Not the easiest costume to wear to a party and anyway (again) you'd need to ask Don Bies to go along to help. I always do.
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Q Sir Anthony! Yes, I address you as the true knight you are in my eyes! In your shining armor, forever on your quest to quell those petty so-called autograph-dealers who lure fans worldwide of their hard-earned cash with a fake copy of your John Hancock. I pity the fools out there who think they can meddle with the dark side and Get away with it. It is a stinking business they're in, one that sadly undermines one of the greatest hobbies on this planet! I take this opportunity to give you some words of wisdom from Henrik Ibsen:
"One should never put on one's best trousers to go out to battle for freedom and truth." Forever in endless support of your great and important quest,
Geir J. Olsen, Norway
A I am pleased and honoured by your support. Thank you. Is your friend Ibsen a Star Wars fan too?
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Q I just watched the "C-3PO: His Moment to Shine" web documentary, and I enjoyed your warm reminisces. It's clear that you truly do have a warm love of your character, and as a lifelong fan, I wanted to thank you personally. There are too many actors who just go through the motions -- your warm embrace of C-3PO always comes through, and your spirit is a bright beacon in the cold of the Star Wars universe.
Adam Houhoulis, New York
A Perhaps the people you should really admire are the webdoc's director, Tippy Buskin and her editor, Duncan Sinclair. They wove my words into a piece that seems to have touched the hearts of so many fans. Thank you for your thanks and thanks to all the others who thanked me. ( This is beginning to sound like an Oscar speech so I wont thank anyone else today.) But I am fond of Threepio. And I will treasure your last comment. Thank you. Damn! I said I wouldn't do that!
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Q Thank you for connecting to your fans. We really appreciate that one of our idols will actually listen to our opinion. Will we ever discover the backstory for the silver shin?
LoserkidBXCR
A As you may have gathered from all the fluff that is surrounding Episode III, Threepio is, for the first time, completely gold from knee to foot. I believe this is in honour of the expensive carpets in Miss Padme's bedroom and the rather elegant designs of her more public areas. I hope that remark isn't open to misinterpretation. And now I come to think about it, in Ep II, her bedroom had the privacy of Penn Bus Station. Oh well. Actually, Threepio was always slightly embarrassed not to be perfectly formed so it's a topic of conversation best not attempted. Artoo likes to talk about stuff like that.
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Q Thanks for the inspiration and unforgettable memories you've displayed through the character of C-3PO. During my hardest of days... popping in any of the SW flicks and watching any C-3PO scene...it never fails to bring a welcome smile on my face and a well-needed reminder that there's always enough love and hope to keep me afloat. I became teary-eyed and utterly moved after watching the webdoc. Your comments on what C-3PO has brought to the saga, and this being the final SW film, really hit me in the gut.
Steve H (U.K)
A It is a slightly odd to think that I have done my last take as C-3PO in a Star Wars film. The fact that I did it alone, walking along a piece of blue carpet, talking to R2 who wasn't there, was merely business as usual. I'd rehearsed, pulling along the studio vacuum cleaner for company!
But I'm glad you appreciate the webdoc It's less gung-ho than the usual but that is perhaps no bad think. Sometimes the pace of SW related material can be rather intense. I'm happy to hear from a fan who doesn't always want to hear the whirr of light sabres. It's someone like you who makes the whole thing worthwhile for me. And don't worry, I suspect Threepio may return in some guise or other before long but before that, EpIII. I hope you enjoy it. And it's fine that it has all finished. It's been a long time. Thank you for being there.

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Q I have read my name under the "The Dark Sides" on their home page. I insist on it this out immediately take her away from my names since I am not a swindler. I have this for it has this one guaranteed it to me bought by one for himself around one a real autograph acts. At Ebay of the seller
zhadum11
A Pardon?
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Q In Episode 3 will Anakin give Threepio his gold covering or will he be spending too much time going to the dark side and slaughtering the Jedi? And the last time we saw Artoo and Threepio was when they were left behind at the Geonosian arena. What happened to them before Anakin and Padme's wedding?
Eli aka Darth Small
A Well there's always a lot of slaughtering to be done in Ep III if you really want to gain an All Areas Pass to the Dark Side. However Threepio has never looked so perfect, as he would happily admit, so someone does something right somewhere.
As for the time before the nuptials; have you any idea how long it took to get the arena sand out of Threepio's parts (especially the ones that weren't showing) - to say nothing of my own! Then there was the dress to order and the cake, the gift list and the invitations, booking the church and the priest, the photographer. Well I think you can imagine it was a very exhausting time for Threepio, since Mrs Amidala wasn't around and he was basically the bride's mother, which makes a kind of sense when it was his daddy who was saying 'I do'. And Artoo, of course, was busy practising being a bridesmaid. He never did get it right. He and Threepio are still finding confetti in the strangest places.

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Q I was curious about one fact from AOTC. When Anakin goes back to find Shmi, he discovers from Watto that he sold her to Lars. When he visits the Lars homestead, we already see Owen, in his apparent teens with Beru. Anakin had made a comment about not seeing Amidala for 10 years. Is there something I'm missing? Is this another behind the scenes bit that the viewer doesn't know
about?
Teri Lintl
A Sorry! No idea. I only watch the bits I'm in. Sometimes, of course, I'm in bits in bits.
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Q Kudos for displaying forged signatures and their sellers on your site. That's an excellent idea. As a huge Star Wars fan and collector, I really appreciate resources like this. Keep up the great work.
Dave
A Kudos to you for being a huge Star Wars fan, who appreciates my efforts
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Q I was surprised to find your name in the Lord of the Rings (1978). What do you think of the actor reprising your role, Orlando Bloom?
N. Lobo, London
A I was delighted that his performance clearly echoed many of the artistic nuances that so inflected my own. Orlando has clearly learned most of his craft from following my work and I think he may have a career as an actor of some kind. His interesting decision, in the role of Legolas, was not to play it as a brunette, as did I, but as a blond. I have never played a blond, even in a cartoon.
Now, of course, I play a grey.
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Q When I pass by a dome-topped trash recepticle, I sometimes will stop beside it and assume the famous "C3PO standing beside R2 with his hand on R2's head" pose. I then will ask my companion, "Who am I". Could be a good trick you could try.
Randal and Emily Ray
A Under certain circumstances, the answer to, 'Who am I?' could be, " You are Under Arrest!" Be careful.
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Q When In the scenes were you are traveling in Solo's ship, is the movement of the ship made by a special simulator or is it just the camera playing tricks?
Peter R Griffin
A The cockpit was a hi-tech special simulator made of two scaffold poles and four strong stagehands. The poles passed under the set, which was constructed on raised base, and the four guys jumped up and down on them. It all looked very silly. Until you saw the movie.
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Q I was recently alerted that my autographed poster was listed on your site as being a forgery. Whilst I acknowledge that I cannot verify the authenticity of the item, I bought the item from an autograph dealer in the US believing it to be real. So I have no choice but to sell having bought it in faith to be geniune. It deeply hurts me that you have decided to put the offending matter on your website. My only wish is that you take it off your website because not only is it damaging to my reputation as a seller on ebay but now my respect for the actor himself, Anthony Daniels, as I WAS a loyal fan of the original Star Wars trilogy. Thanks
Nathan (space*monkey)
A It deeply hurts me, not only to lose your respect - though quite why you should have that reaction, I'm not sure - but that fans are sold pieces of junk, like the one in question on The Darkside of this site. I assume that you have informed the person to whom, according to eBay, it appears you passed on this worthless autograph, in all innocence, that you now know it to be a fake and are happy - whilst not ecstatic - to return any monies they may have passed to you. In case you've forgotten, they are called Bertie Turn 2. Might I then suggest that you go, COA in hand, and demand the return of the sum you originally paid to the person who, in all innocence, sold the offending item to you in the first place. Please write and tell us what happens. I am sorry that you have been the victim of this crime and believe that you should not be offended by sharing your experience with others as a warning to them.
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ps
I was rather surprised that you are still trying to pass on your expensive mistakes to unsuspecting fans some months after this correspondence. Never forget, you have a choice. It seems to me that you are still making the wrong one - possibly not something a "loyal fan" would do. No thanks.
Q I'm am gutted [that he has bought a bunch of fake autographs]... but not surprised after reading your website. I've spent so much time and money in buying these items. And felt that I've been asking the right questions and getting (what I believed to be) the right answers.
I feel such a fool. I really believed I was spending money on some quality Star Wars memorabilia. This news really could quite easily spoil the star wars magic...except I believe the force is stronger than the dark side!
All of the posters came with a lifetime guarantee...I know that means nothing by law...but it means everything to their reputation. Especially to the company who I haven't left ebay feedback to, yet! I will also report them all to ebay and threaten them with fraud prosecution.
All the best - your work and efforts have saved so many of us "gullible" fans.
Richard
A You are not a fool and the Star Wars magic is far bigger than the cheap cheats will ever be. Respect for othersand indeed self respect isn't strong in them, but the Force will be with you always - through the enduring magic that really is Star Wars.
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Q I want to support your actions for listing false eBay auctions. I think the buyer beware should be noted to all that buy over the Internet. I'm sorry to state that I do not own any autographs per-say of one of the greatest characters in SWars (C3PO), or any other stars. But my point still stands and I support you. I think it is important for those who have purchased fakes to be notified in someway. Thanks again,
Chris
A NOT own an Anthony Daniels autograph! If it were not for the rest of your letter I would have thought you were totally lacking in sense, taste and perception. However, reading on, I find that your judgment is outstanding. Thank you for your support
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Q Even though I know that you really don't know... In A New
Hope, Vader says "I have not felt this presence in a long time", who is he talking about, his Jedi Master, his Son Luke, or the wonderful Droid that he created so many years before on Tatooine?
Dan: Pennsylvania
A I don't know how you know that I don't know but I think I know what you want to know though I don't know if I really know. Now we've got that straight, wonderful and charismatic though Threepio may be, I always understood that it was Obi Wan whose presence the leather-fisted Lord so quickly recognised because, as you will eventually learn, he never knew hi uh uh uhh I uh can't uhhh breathe uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh uh
Q I greatly enjoyed perusing your website. It is heartening to find an actor, regardless of his claim to fame, taking time to interact and give back to his fans.
I especially like the updated listing of appearances, and The Dark Side serves a very good purpose (policing forgers) and is entertaining as well! Having worked in the game and toy industry, I have had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Daniels in person (only because he borrowed a CD player from our booth when his stopped working) and found him to be as erudite, genuine and entertaining as his comments on this site would seem to indicate.
Keith Winkler: Georgia
A You are a gentleman and, as the say, a scholar (Not many would dare the word 'erudite' in public). The tone of your message implies that I must have returned your CD player - eventually.
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Q I am a hobby collector (NOT a dealer) and I regularly use my Ebay name of 'Jonflogit'. I was rather shocked to find that a star wars poster I sold recently has been highlighted as a fake, on your website, and me along with it. I bought [it] from '**' on Ebay - & he is apparently already recognised as a villain on your site in your hall of shame. I bought this item in good faith, and so I have now asked him for a refund in full, and have also told him that I will hand it to the police.
I am very sorry that this has inconvenienced you, and ask kindly for you to review this situation I am in. I am not a con-artist. I therefore ask you to please remove me as an offender, and help me work towards getting this situation/ scammer sorted.
Jon
A It doesn't inconvenience me. It does make me sad that this sort of thing is so common. It certainly sounds as though you have been taken advantage of, and now unfortunately may have done the same thing to someone else, without realising it.
A long ime ago, fans collected autographs to possess a relic of a particular personality, as a symbol of their respect and pleasure in that entertainer's work. Now, for the most part, it has become an industry, where a signature is merely a disembodied token, with as much intrinsic joy as a Monopoly money - to be collected without thought, just to make up the set. This industry has many, many honest and joyful participants. It is a shame that a selfish minority spoil what should be an innocent pleasure.
The FBI are diligently pursuing this form of white-collar crime, and in the UK, local council Trading Standards officials are regularly involved. They are the people you may wish to contact. And the police.
For legal reasons the seller's name has been edited from your letter, but if it's any comfort, I personally believe you and thank you for your involvement, though perhaps unintended, in my simple aim to protect the fans. Please let me know what happens.
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Q We were contacted by a recent buyer of one of our Star Wars cast signed posters. "JonFlogit" stated that it was a forgery. We were directed to your website for further information and are very concerned.
We are a very honest, and reputable autograph company in the United States. We either obtain the autographs "in-person" or purchase them from reliable collectors who we have been associated with for years. Our records indicate that these posters were obtained by one of our collectors as he attended several SCI-FI conventions over a period of years. After purchasing and receiving the signed posters we then did our best to confirm signature authenticity. Only then did we list them on eBay.
We will never list any autographed item that we do not totally believe is 110% authentic. We will immediately suspend all auctions, or sales that involve Anthony Daniels, and Star Wars. We will also contact each, and every "buyer" who has purchased a Star Wars signed poster from our company, and issue an immediate, and full refund.
I have personally been collecting autographs for years. I have had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Daniels, and having him autograph items for my personal collection. It seems as though I have been trusting the wrong people. In the future we will be much more diligent in our purchasing of any autographed items.
Keavin Lawdermilk
President TCB Security & Entertainment Co, Inc.
eBay Seller: Grnberet1980
A And also a little more diligent about the "collectors" you employ, I hope. Unfortunately you used the same 110% standard in your ebay terms and conditions and still managed to offer items that were 110% fake. So perhaps standards all round need revising? But I think it would be a terrific gesture of your obvious good faith, to contact your purchasers and give them refunds. Maybe you could encourage your fellow dealers to be more responsible as well. And maybe you and Jonflogit have learned a lesson. Clearly, the price of a genuine autograph is eternal vigilance. But it's not just my autograph that is faked on ebay and beyond. From producers to ewoks, I regularly see forgeries of their signatures on posters, photos and merchandise, though with an ewok, it is hard to tell.
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Q Well, this is the very last Star Wars movie. I've been dying to see the circle of the saga completed but as a fan, I'm sorry to see it end. Your performance as C-3P0 was main reason why I enjoyed the movie so much.
I was a 9-year-old, enduring multiple surgical operations. My childhood would be spent in body casts and braces - stuck in a bed or a wheelchair, with no place to go. Then Star Wars came out. It caught me up body, mind and soul. But the golden boy to me wasn't Luke, Han or Chewie. It was C-3P0. He made me laugh, made me cry and made me cheer. He was funny with the one-liners, noble in telling Luke to leave him behind, and sad when he saw his friend blasted by Darth Vader.
And for some reason, no one seemed to appreciate his finer qualities. My father thought the droids were "childish and for kids."
I thought you guys were the best thing since Laurel and Hardy.
I also knew how hard it was to move inside that costume. I realized that C-3P0 had an actor underneath and I empathized because I had a full body cast, and it was hot and heavy. But still, your intelligence, mannerism and voice came through, and it inspired me to make the best of my situation.
The toys, books and other merchandise helped me transcend the body casts, beds and operations. I was no longer trapped. I drew the droid, I built the model kit and read the books. My C-3P0 action figure was lovingly worn by many hours of playing. The term 'merchandising' doesn't mean that much to a kid who simply enjoys the toy.
The question you will be asked a million times is, "How does it feel to know this is the last Star Wars movie?" For this fan, it will be like saying good-bye to an old childhood friend. You promise to see each other again, but you know it's unlikely. And being older now, I also know that you should make the most of your good-byes.
Thank you so very much for being C-3P0. Mr. Lucas and you helped me through a very difficult time. I will always enjoy the memories.
Mike Lukash
A So what's your dad's problem! Droids are for kids indeed! Pah! I say. I hope he at least appreciates the gift of having a son like you. A son who epitomises all that is thoughtful, sensitive, intuitive, intelligent, articulate and perceptive! You clearly take after your mother.
Your letter and your thanks touch me. Isn't there something rather wonderful about amusing kids? I was given the role of C-3PO, never knowing how it would all turn out and how, from time to time, someone would understand what I was trying to do; understand and appreciate.
There are elements of the saga, and certainly of Threepio's personality and finer qualities, that I will miss. But he will live forever, in the ether that is video, cable, DVD and entertainment-brain-implants, that I'm sure are even now being inserted into blister packs for Christmas 2009. Whatever the medium, it is people, people like you that have kept the saga alive. So… Thank you. Thank you all.
Most of us have difficult times. I hope most of us have happy memories too. I'm glad to have provided the latter for you. And you're right about good-byes. But I'm not saying good-bye. Not yet!
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Q When Anakin goes back to find Shmi, he discovers from Watto that he sold her to Lars. When he visits the Lars homestead, we already see Owen, in his apparent teens with Beru. Anakin had
made a comment about not seeing Amidala for 10 years. Is there something I'm missing? Is this another behind the scenes bit that the viewer doesn't know
about?
Teri Lintl
A I don't know.
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Q From day one See-Threepio has been the heart (along with your stubby counterpart, R2-D2) of Star Wars. He was the 1st action figure I got waaaay back in 1978. Granted, I melted him by leaving him on the furnace, but I've since bought other incarnations. My question is about C-3PO's his cartoon adventures. I'm happy to say I've taped every episode of the Droids cartoons of the 80's and I
love Threepio's grasp of so many languages. Ahh, to hear Shakespeare in the Biituu dialect... I digress. Will Threepio be in the upcoming Clone Wars on the Cartoon Network? Will we hear your voice (it would be a sin if anyone faked C-3PO) and (hopefully) hear some more otherworldly linguistics? T'would be divine.
Jason R. Serra
A I thought you were a man of taste and discernment until I got to the bit about the furnace. Moving swiftly on… personally I had a lot of fun on Droids, despite its rather problematic production qualities. I should point out that the Biituuns are in fact strangers to iambics thus rendering the Bard's words into the poetic metre of a chain saw. But I am thrilled to say that, yes - as you probably now know - I do speak in the new Clone Wars since the producers are far from sinners: I would stop short of saying they were divine. I'll see what we can do about alien linguistics - though I just got back from shopping at Tesco where the level of communication was clearly from another planet.
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Q I read about a deleted scene with a worried Threepio about its coverings and Padmé coming with a solution. I watched the DVD, and didn't see this scene in the special features. Is it really in the DVD?
Gil Sicuro, Brazil
A No. They ran out of space - odd in a space movie, so perhaps they ran out of something else. Sad too, since it was a rare moment of insight in the entire saga into Threepio's troubled personality. The missing scene went something like this...
Discovered alone in the Homestead garage by an insomniac Padme - concerned by the sudden departure of her fledglingly murderous boyfriend - she asked if Threepio was happy. He soulfully confirmed that he was not un happy, and that indeed everyone there was very kind and considerate. He only regretted that Master Annie had been made to leave so quickly - a mediclorean problem as far as I remember - and had no time to finish his handiwork as Maker and add the requisite coverings to his creation. It was very difficult to be like this. This? Enquired the feeling Padme. Naked! Replied the ashamed and sensitive droid. Naked! It simply wasn't protocol!
For Threepio, existence is nothing without a proper structure of what is correct. Imagine the trauma of the intervening years as he wandered unclothed around the moisture vaporators in the liquid gaze of the nubile Beru. Protocol generally frowns on public nudity, even on the giant beach that is Tatooine.
Moved by this confession Padme's eyes dropped - metaphorically- to the empty floor where she found at her feet, a box of covering. I never noticed, said the astounded droid, whilst admitting that he was not very technically minded, in a manor of speaking - possibly an admission of total blindness would have been more accurate - Gracefully bending to rummage in this newly noticed treasure chest, the sharp-eyed ex-queen found another chest and a face and more besides - good taste requiring that some things are left to the imagination. The scene ended with a fully clothed and ecstatic droid posing for Owen and his bride under the contented eye of the resourceful Padme.
We originally shot Threepio as a puppet (see Gallery 1 for proof). However, once the scenes had been cut and processed by ILM, to the point of perfection (especially the acting), Mr Lucas realised that this was not the moment to spend so long away from Anakin making sand-people-sushi. So we had to go back and fix all the previous scenes using the fully dressed, if rusty, droid. The inference is that it was Shmi who completed her son's handiwork.
The moment never made it into the movie. And it never made it to the DVD. And I thought it was rather moving. Oh well.
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Q Just a query on the scene cut from ESB where Threepio removes a "warning wampas" sticker from a door in the rebel base on Hoth, and the unfortunate stormtroopers are attacked. Why was it cut from the film? I have only ever seen still photos and have been intrigued ever since and it would be interesting to read your thoughts on this.
Chris Axten.
A Not being a firm believer in mind reading, pyramid selling or telekinesis, rather than reading my thoughts, I suggest you read Wonder Column Number 4 in the Journalism pages. Read and wonder.
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Q I know that Luke used his force to make you spin around in the air and all, but the Ewoks seem convinced that you are a god. My question is -- Are you really a god?
Something tells me you are.
Kyle Keiran Memphis, USA
A It wasn't Luke's force. It was the special effects chap using his for the perilous job of steering me in my hanging basket along some overhead rails. I was using my force to hang on and hope the wires didn't snap. As for your question, I'm rather surprised that you had to ask.
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Q I found it interesting that while filming you would actually give R2 lines to help you feel like you were actually talking to someone, to help 3P0 react better. I wonder what kind of attitude and personality you have given your little buddy. I always imagined him as being very sarcastic to 3P0 in all their conversations.
John Walker IV
A Yes, I did write out his lines, since no one else had. And it got a bit lonely and frustrating talking to myself. Of course this activity bordered on the schizophrenic but who wouldn't become strange wandering alone in a desert. Since sarcasm is held to be the lowest form of wit, it is natural that you would assume it would be the chosen mode of expression for R2. However it still requires some sort of basic wit in the first place. I do not believe that wit appears on the specification manifest of a thermo capsillary-dehousing assistor. In R2's case, I am sure. If you only knew some of the expressions he comes out with!
By the way, are you a sequel or prequel?
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Q I have two white cats I've named Anakin and Amidala. My friends think I am strange, but I find it cute... at least they aren't my flesh and blood. What do you think?
PrincessDroid1978
A I think you're strange.
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Q The time and energy you expend for we the fans (eg this site) is a rare and much appreciated gift. It's great to see how much you love 3P0. Why do you think some Stars have fallen in love with their characters but others want nothing to do with Star Wars or the roles that made them stars?
Steven Cavanagh
A Thank you for your thanks but I should point out that Threepio and I are just good friends.
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Q I Have you ever asked any other stars to do exactly what you do on your website? Meaning, have them police eBay auctions and post the obvious forgeries… you have set a precedent in the autograph industry and clearly put yourself out as an icon of autographs in doing so. Seriously, you cannot fully appreciate how many of us respect that page, the Darkside. Autograph collectors, even autograph dealers like myself fully support the movement you have set forth.
Michael Kasmar
A It's good to know that I haven't alienated everyone in the galaxy, just those with a lot to lose by selling forgeries. Thanks for your support, which is mirrored by many who write to me at this site and goes a long way to counter the abuse thrown in my direction by disaffected traders. Of course it misses but I'm afraid I have to leave it to others to decide whether they're interested in all the work it takes to "police" their signatures. Personally, I respect the fans enough to make the effort on their behalf.
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Q I am a fan of the droid-duo, and was dismayed by the amount of people trying to con those willing to buy Star Wars memorabilia by faking autographs. However, I was impressed by your encyclopaedias-worth of anti-scammer evidence. Keep up the good work in destroying the darkside.
L.Ekert
A Even I can't destroy the Darkside by myself. But with support like yours and others, who knows? So polish up that lightsaber and let's go. BZZOOOOOOMMM WMMMMM ZZZUUU etc
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Q I wanted to thank you for your … pointing out my fake signed items. I returned the items to the dealer and he gave me a full refund…and even went as far a refunding the custom frames and plaques I had made… I'm now no longer £500+ out of pocket, excellent news indeed… Anyway, I believe the shop are considering prosecuting the guy.
Richard Carrington.
A I'm so glad the shopkeeper stood by you, concerning AliKesh20. Congratulations on not taking the matter lying down - as they say. I've removed the other interesting comments you make since I cannot prove or therefore publish them. But your evidence gives great cause for concern and it is being pursued elsewhere.
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Q In AOTC when you are on the conveyor belt you mention that you are worried about R2 D2 as the little fellow is always getting in to trouble. How do you know this? You've only met him briefly in Episode I and slightly more in Episode II but you've shared no adventures. Or have I missed something?
Brenda Clark
A Yes you have! You must realise that, though George Lucas occasionally removes the camera from the seminal exploits of the two droids to watch what some of the other characters are up to, nevertheless the two machines continue to have a life of their own, well, perhaps existence of their own. For instance, the long flight involved in Ep II meant that once lunch had been served, the movie (Indiana Jones -XIV) finished and after a short nap, R2 passed the time by chattering to C-3PO. The latter having lead a rather sheltered life on Tatooine where, apart from the odd marauding Sandperson, the only potential danger was having his parts painfully sandblasted by the desert wind, was naturally astounded at the elaborate tales of heroism that R2 claims in his autobiographies. Since modesty is not a word in R2's memory bank, the stories took on a rather dramatic quality featuring him in the lead role. This caused Threepio to take a couple of Anadin. He is now resting before the rigours of Ep III.
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Q I have been to Tunisia and went in the Sahara desert (Dune Sea) and also I visited Matmata. I was wondering as you had no give in C-3PO's costume how did you manage to keep your balance on the shifting sand and rocky terrain?
Anietta UK
A So you too have survived the Tatooine Experience! Well done! No doubt the odd grain of sand is still lurking about your person and items of a personal nature. As you may read in one of the Titan pages on this site, I did indeed fall victim, and down, to and on the shifting sands of the desert. Stretches of it had the stability normally found in the dribbling grains of an egg timer. I would often be the first to try out a particular route, not so much as a kind of mine-clearing device for a chicken-hearted crew but because they didn't want any human footprints to spoil the futuristic historic environment. One day the inevitable happened and the forces of gravity took me on a rather frightening trip. However, the suit wasn't damaged at all. As for the rocks… we had to wait another 25 years and the different location of the Homestead interior at Matmata for me to make a rather more spectacular, quite scary and very expensive acquaintance with the planet's surface. I may have recovered but Threepio will never be the same again. Oddly, the documentary crew, having filmed the first five takes, decided the sixth, final close-up of Threepio, did not need to be covered. Big mistake. It was the only real bit of drama to happen that day!
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Q Thank you very much for the action taken on your site about fakes. It is very reassuring to me and many others… I am currently trying to obtain refunds from this company as the items were supplied with COA's. Here is a quote from SignedByStars that you may find entertaining. "total rubbish, none of our items are fake, please supply independent proof from a qualified authenticator, i strongly recomend sotherbys as they are they are the best."
Stephen Ankelen
A Sotheby's? (as it is actually spellt, on my planet at least). Wasn't one of their (now ex) chief executives recently wearing an electronic tag due to a conviction for some questionable activities whilst in office with this august company? Birds of a feather? If this is indeed a quote, then it's more 'total rubbish' from Signed By Stars! Sadly, I don't find it entertaining at all, apart from there gramer and spellin.
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Q On a ten-scale I'd give AOTC forty-seven. Threepio shone (metaphorically) more than in any of the other films! The "...such a drag" and "beside myself" lines were dry wit of James Bond quality. There's a thought! When Brosnan calls it quits Threepio could take over as 007! His programming might need a wee bit of modification, as he's never exhibited much in the way of a libido...
Lasse J. Nordvik
A Nice idea, C-3POO7. But his life-style doesn't present too many opportunities for libidinous activities. R2D2 can hardly be regarded as an object of desire - or am I missing something?
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Q I have to tell you that I am emphatically disturbed to see my name listed on your "scum and villiany" page. I have no part in the origin of the autographs, I am just a seller!! Futhermore, I do not appreciate this slander and I will not be selling any items with your name listed on my items. In return, I ask that my name be taken off of your "scum and villiany" page. I will be looking into the origin of the autographs I sell, and stop selling items that could be forgeries. I also may ask, "How do you know everything you have signed, or your secretary, do you think it could be possible that maybe one of the items listed on your page may be LEGIT"?
John B.
A Then we are both "emphatically disturbed", as are the many correspondents to this site on the subject, who seem grateful that we are trying to stop them being ripped-off. Of course the fact that your name appears is purely because an item is or was for sale that is a forgery and you are the person selling it. These are simple facts. No implication of fraudulent motive is made. However, "…I am just a seller" seems to indicate that you felt no responsibility for the authenticity of what you sell, though I'm glad it appears that you may do so from now on. I'm sure your customers will be relieved. As for your last comment, any signature on which there is the slightest doubt is not posted. But, on the evidence to date, I hope you will forgive me for claiming to be a higher authority on my own autograph than you.
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Q I was wondering what it was like during AOTC when you went back to the real spot of the Lars home. Was it cool to be back after so long?
Emily
A Actually it was incredibly hot. We were there in the summer months this time around. Our first visit was in winter and it could be quite chilly. This time I learnt that it was a good idea to wear factor-50 sun cream whilst I sat around the set. But it would have been a better idea to take it off before I put on the suit. I cannot describe the blinding pain, unless of course I used words like blinding pain, to describe the blinding pain I experience as the factor-50 combined with the perspiration flooding down my face and into my eyes as I cooked away inside my very personal oven! On a more spiritual note, it was indeed strange to be standing on exactly the same piece of salt waste where I had first worn the suit some 26 years before. The charms of Tunisia are such that I had not felt the need to return in the interim but it was easy to remember my first visit and ponder on the years between and what they have meant for me. I pondered for quite a while.
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Q Is Star Wars Episode VI the very last film? I mean, will George Lucas ever produce Star Wars Episode VII?
Linn Markryd
A Yes and no.
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Q Surely the producers have made accommodations in recent years to make the costume more comfortable for you? For example, in AOTC, after R2-D2 reattaches C-3PO's head, he sits up of his own volition. Was this a CGI version of C-3PO, or were you actually able to sit up in the costume?
A You have clearly not met the head of the math department at World O'Lucas, Rick McCullum. New suits cost money. This is not an option. So the suit I wear in AOTC is the same as in ROJ, artfully painted by Justin Dix from downtown Australia. I was able to sit up straight in the shot due to the length of time I spend in the gym, pursuing a six-pack (hopelessly!). It was also due to the length of timber wedged under my back and later removed by ILM that, with two helpers at the far end pressing down on a fulcrum between us, acted as a lever to help me up. It all worked rather well but the sand got into some interesting places.
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Q In SW ep2, everybody seemed to enjoy the part when 3PO's head was added on to a Battle Droid's and vice versa. But I wondered how each end worked by itself when it wasn't joined to the Battle Droid.
Ben Keeler, UK
A I acted both parts dressed as Threepio and it was ILM who moved the bits around. But at least I/he got to do something that I/he have/has wanted to do for years - wield a blaster! It had to be wired into my hands, as it was too cumbersome to hold with Threepio's mitts on. Being a childish person I did actually make kapoww noises as I fired but I came out with a rather different line from the one you hear in the finished movie. We had to dub it or change it to an 'X' certificate!
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Q I had a great time at Celebration II; you were very entertaining as the host and made the extremely long lines worth the wait. I want to ask you if while you are filming, do you do all of the action sequences in costume, and then dub the voice in later?
Ben Johnson
A So many have written happily about CII and me: less happily about CII and the lines. But thanks to all who had fun and told me about it. Somewhere in a Wonder Column is the full story of how I have a tiny microphone inside Threepio's face with a radio transmitter sending rather breathy speeches back to the radio receiver and tape deck, whilst I perform the scenes. Months later I return to a dubbing studio with Mr Lucas and spend hours mimicking my moments and performance, whilst giving the sound designers a squeaky clean (i.e. no squeaks from the costume marring the superb performance) performance. I do actually stand there as if I am wearing the costume. That's how I match up the performance but it looks a little silly. Do I care? But on the set, guess where they stick the transmitter!
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Q Unique Collectibles, one of the companies you cite in your "Dark Side" forgeries section, recently went out of business. I do not doubt that they forged your signature on the photos posted on your site. However, I am now HIGHLY distraught because I purchased a $200 piece from them because a few collectors told me it was one of the collecting hobby's "gold standards." It folded abruptly - I assume because everyone who was involved in its scams wanted to avoid impending investigations. I trust only one autograph company now. Anyway, thanks for your exposure of fraudulent salespeople.
Michael G.
A I am sad to hear that you were taken in, Michael. Many people are. Perhaps the only consolation is this expensive warning that at least you are able to share with others. It will be interesting to find under what name these Sleazoids eventually resurface. As for "gold standards", I only trust C-3PO.
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Q I was extremely happy to see Threepio in AOTC completely built. You are definitely one of my favorite characters in the series if not at the top of my listand I'm so glad that Threepio is more of a character again! I also saw that you played "Lt. Dannl Faytonni" in the film and was curious as to who this was. I have seen it three times now and do not even know where to look.
Danniey Palliser
A Lft. Faytonni is the whole reason for the car chase where Obi Wan and Anakin pursue the gorgeous Zam to the nightclub. That's where Lft.F. hangs out with two rather lovely girls in a blue uniform (Lft.F. not the girls, who wear rather more revealing costumes). It is a pivotal moment in the script when Lft. F. turns to survey the damage done by O.W.'s light sabre. Please see the film again or go to Gallery 1 on this site for a quick close-up. But, not top of your list? Oh well.
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Q In that fine magazine "Star Wars Insider," you were quoted as saying "I added in one line. I just turned a sentence around to give the character somewhere to have come from." Now that we've all seen Episode II, I am wondering which line was your creation?
Bruce Green

A Actually there are one or two which GWL allowed me to play with. Possibly the one I was referring to was me referring to Anakin being 'The Maker' and the fact that I knew he would 'return' one day; two concepts that the Great Ewok Inventor had created in the first place. There were others but modesty forbids. It is his movie after all.
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Q What a privilege it was to see you during Celebration II. I certainly have a warm spot for C3-P0 and that spot only grew larger by actually getting to meet you. I was watching The Making of Star Wars (1977) and wondered if you are in the costume in public appearances as, for example, the footprints in the cement and the documentary itself. Thank you for being one of a kind!
Steve Winslow
A I do hope the warm spot has cleared up by now. But I too greatly enjoyed being at C II with all the thousands of fans that made it so worthwhile. Yes it was I putting my footprints in the cement on a very hot day in Hollywood. Later I came back as myself and added my name above Threepio's. Do you know how difficult it is to write in cement, with thousands watching to see if you can spell your name? (See one of the Wonder Columns for details). I had rather less personal credit whilst shooting The Making Of Star Wars. It took a week for me to film with the odd break whilst they interviewed Carrie, Mark and Harrison. Obviously thinking I need the rest, they refused to include an interview with me as me. They didn't want people to know that Threepio isn't a real droid. Which of course he is! (You never know who reads this stuff). I will admit that it felt somewhat curious to be personally omitted from a documentary around a film in which I had, shall we say, a small but shining role. Oh well. Anyway, one of a kind of what?
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Q I have heard rumors through various prop building groups that you are bound by contract not to give out your bodily dementions to anyone. Is this true? If not would you disclose this information for those wanting to build replicas of their favorite droid to place in their home dens?
Keith Henry
A I assume you mean "dimensions" although my sanity has clearly been in question for some years. This is one of the more bizarre rumours I have heard, since I can give my bodily "dimensions", and indeed my body, to whomever I wish. Unfortunately there hasn't been too much take-up of the latter in recent times. What is known as my vital statistics are 5' 8" and 38, 29, 35. Do you think I should do aPlayboy centre-fold?
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Q C-3PO is the best SW Character! I've seen his name spelled different way, like See-Threepio. Is there an officially correct way of spelling it?
FireAndFlamesFan@aol.com
A Well, you are clearly a highly intelligent fan with excellent taste. C-3PO, See Threepio or Threepio (to his friends) are officially correct. The abbreviated, 3PO, is not acceptable in Lucasfilm material as the stylemasters can be really picky.The same goes for R2, though he has always been abbreviated, or rather, truncated.
C-3PO, See Threepio or Threepio but not 3PO, would be delighted at your question, as he is a stickler for the correct mode of address, indeed the correct mode of everything - except perhaps for apple pie. But in real life I personally have been known to slip in the odd 3PO or 2. Real life?
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Q I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Star Wars Galaxies, an MMORPG, for months now. Are you planning to play? I'm sure you'd fit right in. You'd even have the privilege of being n00bed by the NWW! After that you could join us in the BMCC, previously the MNC, and talk to me, MJ12, and IWBMJ, BS03, BDA, Malekh, ATD, BT, Sang, and everybody else!
Jessie Yoder...ummm...Yoda.Elkhart, IN
PpppSSs If you want to know what all the initials mean come on over to SWG!
A Huh?
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Q You did a stunt in ESB (I'm pretty sure it was you...) when Han and Leia are escaping from Hoth and Threepio is desperately trying to follow. That must have been exhausting, especially when you're running up the ramp of the Falcon (with restricted vision). It was great!! Any comments about that scene?
Yanick Cloutier, Montreal
A Yes, it was I (see below and also WCs for comments re stunts). And thank you for appreciating the effort I sometimes have to make on the inside, to make suit look interesting on the outside. The real problem is that there is nowhere inside 3PO's (oops!) chest for my chest to expand in order to keep my breath. This is especially difficult in scenes that require some sort of exertion. Similarly, the legs of the costume restrict any tensing of my calf muscles required, for instance to climb the rather steep ramp of the Falcon. But since that wondrous vessel was destroyed long ago on the back lot of Elstree Studios, that is not going to be a problem ever again. The real problem Threepio had on that day on Hoth, was that I had a slight hangover!
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Q How many languages you really speak? For instance do you understand 'God dag'?
adam Bengtsson
A I can speak French and fake the odd word in Italian and Spanish. Doesn't everyone! "God dag" I believe is Swedish for "good morning", although in Australian (in which I am almost fluent) "dag" means something entirely different, relating to the rear end of a sheep. One has to be so careful!
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