Biography

Botn in Modesto, California, George Lucas, son of a stationery store owner was raised on a walnut anch. He attended Modesto Junior College and later the University of Sothern California film school. During this time he made several short films, one of which took first prize at the 1967-68 National Student Film Festival.

Lucas met Francis Ford Coppa in 1967 and together they founded American Zoetrope, the first project being THX:1138. They two later split in 1971, Coppola going into production for The Godfather and Lucas forming his own company, Lucasfilm Ltd.

He won his first Golden Globe in 1973 when he directed and co-wrote American Graffiti which also won him give Academy Award nominations and seveal film critic awards. However it was not until 1977 when Lucas really left his mark when he directed Star Wars - breaking box office records and earning seven Academy Awards.

Three years later, Lucas colaborated as producer on Raiders of the Lost Ark, with Steven Spielberg which picked up give Academy awards. After this he left him making for a while to become a builder and decorator, designing the Skywalker Ranch - a custom facility for Lucasfilm.

He continued his film success with Captain Eo, Willow (directed by Ron Howard), Tucker: The Man and His Dream and Forest Gump. He also founded LucasArts Entertainment Company, developer and publisher of software including the great Monkey Island and Dark Forces (the original Jedi Knight) series.

Then in 1999 the Star Wars saga continued with the release of The Phantom Menace and in 2002 Attack of the Clones.