George Lucas
Traded most of his directing fee for the merchandising rights the studio considered worthless.
George Lucas was born in 1944 in Modesto, California, US. George Lucas's background is described as White American. Growing up, the family was middle class — his father ran a stationery store and a walnut ranch and expected him to take over. Traded most of his directing fee for the merchandising rights the studio considered worthless.
- Born
- 1944 · Modesto, California, US
- Roots
- White American
- Family
- Middle class
- His father ran a stationery store and a walnut ranch and expected him to take over.
- Education
- Modesto Junior College → USC film school
- Started with
- A survived crash
- A near-fatal accident days before high-school graduation ended his racing ambitions; film school followed.
- Affiliations & societies
- None documented.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1962 · age 18The crash
His seatbelt fails and throws him clear; he gives up racing and enrolls in junior college.
- 1971 · age 27THX 1138 flops
The studio recut of his debut sours him on Hollywood control.
- 1973 · age 29American Graffiti$775K budget
Made for $775K; one of the most profitable films ever released to that point.
- 1976 · age 31The merchandising trade
Forgoes most of a directing-fee raise on Star Wars in exchange for merchandising and sequel rights the studio valued at nearly nothing.
- 1977 · age 33Star Wars
The rights he kept build an empire of toys, sequels, and Industrial Light & Magic.
- 2012 · age 68Sells Lucasfilm to Disney$4.05B
He pledges the bulk to education philanthropy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is George Lucas from?
George Lucas was born in 1944 in Modesto, California, US. Their background is described as White American.
When was George Lucas born?
George Lucas was born in 1944, in Modesto, California, US.
What is George Lucas's background or ethnicity?
George Lucas's roots are described as White American. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did George Lucas go to school?
George Lucas's education: Modesto Junior College → USC film school.
What was George Lucas's family background growing up?
At birth the family was middle class. His father ran a stationery store and a walnut ranch and expected him to take over.
How did George Lucas get started?
George Lucas started with a survived crash. A near-fatal accident days before high-school graduation ended his racing ambitions; film school followed.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.