Sir Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, and sadly died 2000, has reportedly earned £56 million according to the Sunday Express - and the royalties just keep coming!

The first part of the Star Wars film saga, which was released in 1977, was, of course, made at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. Back then, many people didn't envisage that it would be the phenomenal success it became. This is possibly why other cast members did not choose to take percentages of the box office!

One cast member who did take a percentage was Sir Alec – thanks to his then agent, Dennis van Thal. Thal apparently struck a deal which would see the actor take a two per cent of the gross royalties paid to the director and creator, George Lucas.

So far box office takings are said is reported to be in excess of £2.7 billion. Oh, and as for DVD, video and other merchandise sales? Some £7.8 billion, apparently!

Other cast members and technicians who worked on Star Wars at Elstree were apparently offered a percentage back in 1976 when the film was being made, but apparently declined.

In 2007, I interviewed Harry Fielder, who worked on as a supporting artist on Star Wars, about his recollections of working on the legendary film. One of the questions I asked was...

Paul: Star Wars was the highest grossing film that you ever worked on, but did it make you rich?

Harry: No, I personally only earned £11 per day for seven days, earning a total of £77.

But all these years later I am held in deep respect by my grandchildren for being one of 'Daft Ada's' men (Fielder originally miss-heard the pronunciation of the character name Darth Vader whilst on set!). Thanks Mr. Lucas.

© Paul Burton 2009