I get asked a lot about my time in Star Wars and so I wanted to share my experience with you, from how I was lucky enough to get on to set, to even the smells I remember from when the first ever Star Wars film was being recorded!

So to start, it was early in 1976 I made a decision to drive to Pinewood Studios to see if I could get into a film, which looking back seems mad as now I wouldn’t have even got close enough to talk to security – however back in those times I managed to get to the security office, they were so extremely helpful and told me ‘you can’t just come in and get in a film, you need an agent’. However, although the security officer thought I must have been crazy – he very kindly proceeded to give me details for an agent in London, it was the first step I needed. I remember heading home so excited to be able to call them the next day and see how I could progress to where I wished to be.

The next day I called them, and to my amazement they made an appointment for me to go and see them the following week. After a brief discussion of personal details and background stuff they said that they would get back to me, this was very brief with no time scales or deadlines to look forward to! However, not long after that I got a call to appear in something called Star Wars and they asked if I would be interested. Of course I accepted and we tied in all the dates that I needed to be on set, at the time of filming we were all told that it was going to be for a tv series. Little did I know then what an iconic huge franchise that Star Wars would turn into.

I spent 3 days on set in 2 scenes, the first being the scene that was in the briefing room – this is where I played an x wing pilot and was briefed on the mission to blow up the Death Star. My sense memory of that scene was the smell of perspex and plastic as that was what the set was made of, and it still sticks with me till this day!

The second scene I was in was the ceremonial entrance, returning after blowing up the Death Star – I survived to live on! Even many years later my whole experience of that time was such a high sense of camamardery on set between the crew, actors and certainly the creator George Lucas.

I am extremely blessed to have worked with George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew and many other background artists that went on to do great things. Some of which I have met over the years attending SciFi Conventions to be involved in signings of pictures of wonderful enthusiastic Star War fans. Just as an added bonus, whilst on set one day, I met Roger Moore!

Although my role was very small I feel extremely privileged to be part of a legendary movie and the first original, which of course went on with many more to follow but for me; Star Wars: A New Hope (IV) was the start of something really special. Of course to date the estimated worth of Star Wars has grown to an amazing $70 billion, as well as it currently being the fifth highest grossing media franchise of all time. I had to share my experience for all that would love to hear the snippet I have!

My real life Jonnie Rocket adventure – are you ready for yours?