OSCAR winner Marcia Lucas has died from cancer aged 80.
Known as the secret weapon and unsung hero of Star Wars, Marcia died at her holiday home in Rancho Mirage, California.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Marcia Lucas, the secret weapon of Star wars, has died aged 80
Marcia married George Lucas in 1969
The ex-wife of George Lucas, Marcia was best known for editing Star Wars A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.
Marcia died on Wednesday evening, her family said.
In an emotional statement, they called the filmmaker a “trailblazer”.
A family member said: “Marcia was a force.”
STAR GONE
Star Wars & Back to the Future stuntman dies aged 92 after glittering career
JEDI TRICKS
Scientists create Star Wars-style 3D projections inspired by Princess Leia
“A true trailblazer for women in film and one of the most influential editors in cinematic history.
“She helped redefine what film editing could be and paved the way for generations of women who followed.”
Marcia won an Academy Award in 1977 for Best Film Editing.
In 1969 she married George Lucas, who she had met while working on the documentary Journey to the Pacific.
Raised in North Hollywood, Marcia met her future husband while they were working as assistants for editor Verna Fields.
Marcia won an Academy Award in 1977 for Best Film Editing Credit: Kobal Collection – Shutterstock
Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon that featured the antagonist Darth Vader Credit: Alamy
She co-edited Lucas’ breakthrough film American Graffiti in 1973, before going to work on the hugely successful Star Wars franchise.
Marcia got her first Academy award nomination in for American Graffiti.
Her family said: “She will be remembered as a brilliant storyteller, an incredible friend, a loving mother, a generous host, and a woman whose humor and sparkle filled every room she entered.”
“Her influence on film is indelible, but those who knew her best will remember something even greater: the way she made life feel more vivid, more beautiful, more fun, and more full of love.”
Marcia and George adopted a daughter Amanda, born in 1981.
They divorced in 1983 and Marcia re-married to stained glass artist Tom Rodrigues that year.
She had a daughter Amy with Rodrigues in 1985 before the couple divorced in 1993.
Marcia is survived by her daughters and granddaughters.
