WASHINGTON (AP) — “Star Wars” actor. Mark Hamill has arrived at the White House on Friday to visit President Joe Biden and left with the president's sunglasses and greater respect for the office.
“I love the item,” he said, removing the glasses during a quick appearance at the daily White House press briefing following his visit with Biden. Hamill, 72, who is best known for playing Luke Skywalker, joked with reporters that he would answer some questions — as long as they weren't related to “Star Wars.”
“I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet with the president,” he said. He said he had been to the White House before, during the Carter and Obama administrations, but never the Oval Office, which was great. Hamill said Biden showed photos and other items from the Oval Office.
Hamill said Biden asked him to call him “Joe,” and Hamill offered him an alternative suggestion: “Can I call you Joe B. One Kenobi?”
“He loved it,” said Hamill, who also voiced the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series.
Both Hamill and the White House were vague about the reason for his visit. But Hamill, a Democrat and Biden supporter with a large social media following, was posting about the president's reelection campaign this week.
“I hope the former doesn't quench your thirst for Biden's re-election!” Written on May 1.
“May the third ridiculous one allow a man who tried to steal a fair election to run again,” he posted on Friday, referring to Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
May 4th is unofficially “Star Wars” Day, in part because of the famous Jedi phrase “May the Force be with you.” And the pun says: “The fourth is with you.”
Hamill also lent his voice to “Air Alert” – a downloadable application linked to the Ukrainian air defense system. His voice urges people to take cover as Russia launches another air strike on Ukraine.
“Infuriatingly humble analyst. Bacon maven. Proud food specialist. Certified reader. Avid writer. Zombie advocate. Incurable problem solver.”