It’s been over four decades since Mark Hamill appeared on The Muppet Show, but the actor had some recent insight on his memorable appearance.
In a tweet framed like a multiple-choice question, Hamill recollected four different observations about his 1980 appearance on the syndicated series, including gargling a tune with one of the cast members, working with his “cousin” Luke Skywalker, appearing on the recurring sketch “Pigs in Space,” and letting the world see his inner geek on national TV.
This Muppet Show is also the FIRST:
A) time I gargled Gershwin
B) time I worked with my cousin Luke Skywalker
C) & last time I appeared on “Pigs In Space”
D) time I exposed my inner-geek on national television
E) ALL OF THE ABOVE https://t.co/ATGAyp7738 pic.twitter.com/i23OetPNnO— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 22, 2021
Hamill appeared on the show on February 21, 1980 — both as himself, and as Luke — three months before the release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker and Peter Mayhew also appeared on the episode in costume as C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca, respectively.
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Hamill did indeed “gargle” the tune of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” along with Angus McGonagle, the Muppet also known as the Argyle Gargoyle. Hamill also switched between appearing as himself and Luke throughout the episode, and through some visual trickery, the two appeared together at the episode’s conclusion.
Luke, Threepio and Artoo also “hijacked” the USS Swinetrek in the two-part sketch “Pigs in Space,” which also featured an appearance by Chewbacca the Wookiee. All the above was enough for Hamill to confess his appearance resulted in him revealing his inner geek for the world to see.
In the episode, Hamill, as Luke, wore the costume seen after his arrival on Bespin in The Empire Strikes Back. The episode served as the debut of the costume, months before it was seen in the film.
The Muppet Show ran for five seasons spanning 1976 to 1981. The comedy series was presented as a variety show, a popular format on television at the time. The series was created by Muppet pioneer and puppeteer Jim Henson. The show also featured the talents of actor and puppeteer Frank Oz, who brought Yoda to life in the Star Wars films. The series featured several of Henson’s iconic creations such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear.
The show frequently featured high-profile guest stars, including actors such as Roger Moore and Vincent Price, as well as performers such as Elton John and Linda Ronstadt. The episode featuring Hamill is considered a favorite by many of The Muppet Show’s viewers.
Source: Twitter
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