On a surprise visit to the White House, Star Wars actor Mark Hamill praised President Joe Biden, referring to him as “Joe-bi Wan Kenobi.” Hamill, best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker, commended the president’s legislative achievements, jokingly mentioning that Biden had gifted him aviator sunglasses during their meeting in the Oval Office. The actor’s impromptu appearance at a media briefing alongside Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre garnered laughter from reporters as he expressed his honor at meeting the “most legislatively successful president” of his lifetime.
During the press conference, Hamill described his experience with Biden as “amazing,” noting that he had previously visited the White House during the administrations of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. Despite jokingly requesting no Star Wars-related questions, Hamill shared a humorous interaction with Biden in which he referred to the president as “Joe-bi Wan Kenobi.” This light-hearted moment was criticized by some conservatives, who viewed Hamill’s remarks as part of a larger pattern of Democratic support and opposition to former President Donald Trump. The actor has been vocal about his political views, frequently using social media to express his opinions.
Hamill’s involvement in political discourse is not new, as he has previously aligned himself with causes and candidates that he supports. In 2022, he served as an ambassador for Ukraine’s United24 fundraising platform and referred to Russia as the “evil empire.” Leading up to the 2020 presidential election, Hamill likened Biden to Luke Skywalker, emphasizing the strength of “the force” with the then-future president. This comparison drew contrasting reactions from supporters of former President Trump, who saw themselves as opposing forces within a Star Wars-inspired narrative.
Continuing his advocacy for Biden and critique of Trump, Hamill regularly shares political messages on social media. In preparation for Star Wars fans’ celebration of “May the Fourth,” he posted supportive messages for Biden’s potential re-election and highlighted his hopes for a productive second term. Despite facing backlash from some critics who question the actor’s involvement in political matters, Hamill remains committed to using his platform to express his opinions and support causes that align with his beliefs. Through humor and pop culture references, he continues to engage in the political discourse, challenging conventional wisdom and seeking common ground in a divided landscape.
