30 April 2024
Star Wars gold: The force returns for galaxy of Anthony Daniels’ C-3PO memorabilia
4 minutes
Actor Anthony Daniels was not a sci-fi fan and wanted to turn down the role of Star Wars’ most memorable robot C-3PO, but luckily his agent persuaded him to meet director George Lucas. Star Wars followers have now been able to secure props, costumes and production material acquired by the actor over almost half a century.
Anthony Daniels, who played robot C-3PO in the universe of George Lucas' Star Wars films, is the only actor to have featured in all Star Wars releases. His character, a robotic diplomat and translator, speaking six million languages, is talkative, often tentative and sometimes cowardly, closely resembling a human despite his distinctive gold ‘skin’.
It was while performing in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at The Old Vic, in London, in 1976, that he got the call to meet George Lucas about a sci-fi movie.
Given the difficulties of the proposed costume, Lucas was interested in Daniels’ acting and mime skills – but Daniels once asked for his money back after seeing Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 – A Space Odyssey, sci-fi did not interest him.
Daniels refused the interview but his agent ensured he met the director. It was a concept painting of the C-3PO character that caught Daniels’ interest and, having read the script, he accepted the role.
The next day he was covered in plaster to make a mould of his body and six months later the gold costume was ready and filming began. It wasn’t an easy shoot. The 17 pieces of the gold suit didn’t quite fit and was uncomfortable in desert scenes and in Elstree studio.
C-3PO’s companion, R2D2, was silent during filming (sounds were added in post-production) so Daniels spent weeks talking to himself.
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Under the hammerMany of Daniels’ props, costumes and production material has just gone under the auction hammer at the Propstore Entertainment Memorabilia live Auction in Los Angeles. More than one C-3PO costume was used for each film and the auction’s top lot was a light-up C-3PO head from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi which sold for $843,750 (£675,000). Made of thin fibreglass, it comprised three major components: a backplate, faceplate (with installed eyes) and a neck-ring which is fixed together with two neck-bolts and the forehead antennae. This head is now the only complete C-3PO head from Return of the Jedi in a private collection. |
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Lot 363, a pair of C-3PO hands, achieved $37,500 (£29,600). These rubber gloves, finished in a gold-colour vacuum-metallic plating, have palms painted black with red, yellow and white wires running down the fingers to the wrists, where there is a production-made split and a metal fastener closure that allowed the hands to be easily fitted and secured to Daniels' hands.
Anthony Daniels said: “I want the treasures to be enjoyed by fans. I hope these wonderful pieces of memorabilia find new homes where they will be displayed by fans who have got the chance to own a genuine piece of Star Wars history.” |
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About Anthony Daniels
Anthony Daniels’ parents wanted him to go into law but after two years’ study he knew it was not for him. He took a small bequest and turned it into his ticket to acting school for the next three years.
Star Wars formed a major part of his career, interspersed with television and stage appearances including comedies Square Deal and Three Up Two Down to more dramas such as Prime Suspect and J.B. Priestley’s Dangerous Corner.
He has also hosted and narrated symphonic events such as Star Wars in Concert on European, American and Japanese tours. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra as C-3PO.
Full results
The Propstore Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in Los Angeles with the Anthony Daniels’ Collection went under the hammer on March 12-14, 2024. Each lot was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity co-signed by Daniels. To see the full results visit propstore.com
Insurance advice
If you own an item with special provenance, be sure to add the information to your insurance policy as this could impact its value. Retain the invoice, paperwork, photographs and serial number (if relevant) as effective record-keeping is an essential part of building a collection.
You will need to keep up to date with its value, as in the event of a claim you don’t want to realise you’re underinsured. It’s also important to decide upon the basis of valuation. Most times it should be for insurance purposes, but in some circumstances you may be able to insure at auction value, although bear in mind that what you agree may be the most you get back.
To speak to Howden about your insurance, please call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk