Mark Hamill Skips ‘Star Wars’ Press Appearance to Visit Children’s Hospital

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill took a well deserved break from a promotional appearance for The Force Awakens to visit children at Great Ormond Street Hospital in England.

Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the record-breaking films, posted to his Twitter a photo thanking the hospital’s charity for inviting him.

Thanks for the check-up Oscar!And to @GreatOrmondSt for inviting me. Happy Holidays to all the boys&girls. Love,mh pic.twitter.com/yD7TDjjvJh

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— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) December 22, 2015

“Star Wars movies are meant to be a couple of hours of diversion from reality, and we need that. They are optimistic and hopeful stories. But in comparison to what we can do with [the hospital], last night [the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens] is very trivial.” Hamill told The Independent.

During Hamill’s visit to the hospital, his other cast members were taping an appearance for “The Graham Norton Show.”

Hamill reportedly met with several patients and staff members, including a special visit with Jake, a four-year-old boy recovering from a kidney transplant. “It was great to meet Mark,” Samantha Morgan, Jake’s mother told The Independent. “We always watch the films.”

Hamill isn’t shy when it comes to participating in charity events. Earlier in the month, Hamill sported his best stormtrooper uniform to hype up the film for the Omaze Charity Fundraising efforts. The charity gave away a trip to the premiere of The Force Awakens.

“One of the greatest things I am given because of the profession I am in is the ability to give back. It feels wonderful. It can be harrowing emotionally because your heart goes out to these children, but it’s also very uplifting. You walk away thinking being an actor is so trivial compared to helping needy children,” Hamill shared with The Independent.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is currently playing in theaters and shattering previous box office records.