Star Wars fans everywhere know the name C-3PO, the loyal golden robot with no sense of humor. The name that may be a little less familiar however, is Anthony Daniels, the man behind the droid. For those who question if there is actually a man behind the robot, head to this year’s Fan Expo, where Daniels will be making a guest appearance in his human form. We caught up with him to get the pre-show low down.
When you first saw the concept painting of C-3PO, before you accepted the role, how did you react?
When I look at the Mona Lisa I don’t feel anything, but when I looked at C-3PO, I felt something. I looked into his eyes. I like that he is vulnerable. Part of me thinks that he wants to be human, and that makes him vulnerable.
Do you share any qualities with Threepio?
I share his impatience.
When George Lucas first contacted you, didn’t you ignore him?
[Laughs.] I ignored the meeting. My agent told me to go, so I went. I liked that George was very quiet. I don’t have that same acting quality that Harrison [Ford] has. I don’t want to say that I needed C-3PO but… My life was literally changed with a phone call.
You are the only actor to appear in all six episodes. How was it filming the later ones with a younger cast?
The characters were the younger versions of themselves. There I am, working with Ewan McGregor, and he was just thrilled when he saw me come out. They were all thrilled to see C-3PO, they had grown up with him. And for me, well, there was Samuel L. Jackson.
What questions do fans ask you the most?
Does it get hot in there? How do you go to the bathroom?
What do you tell people who believe that Threepio is an actual robot?
It’s similar to Santa Clause. Sometimes, I tell them [children] that Threepio has helpers all over the world. Other times, you tell them that it is like a Superman cape. When anyone puts it on, they become Superman.
What do you think of people who question the "intimacy" of R2-D2 and C-3PO’s relationship?
They’re droids. It’s like saying two kitchen appliances are more than just that. It makes me laugh when people think of it as anything but what it is; it doesn’t bother me that people poke fun at it. It’s a very British kind of friendship. I don’t know how it is in Canada, but the British don’t like to admit to close friendships because they get embarrassed.
What are you most excited to see at the FanExpo?
The people that keep Star Wars alive. It is a part of their life. I am excited for people to say, "thank you for entertaining me."
What is the most memorable things that you’ve ever seen at a fan expo?
Ms. Darth Vader. Once I also saw a child wearing a speed-bike costume, like from Episode VI. It was cut out of cardboard. I love that side, that encourages people to create and make things.
With all of the Star Wars merchandise out there, what is the weirdest thing you’ve seen C-3PO’s face on?
There is this scotch tape holder where Threepio is lying on his back with his legs up in the air and the tape comes from in-between. I also don’t understand the bobble head. I don’t really like those.
Fan Expo, Metro Toronto Convention Center, August 25-28.
