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Over the years because of his connection to the Star Wars universe, C. Andrew Nelson has received scores of letters and emails from fans all around the globe. “Star Wars fans are without a doubt some of the nicest people in the world,” says Andrew. “I was rather surprised and honored by the first letter I got from a Star Wars fan several years ago. Today I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many letters have been sent to me,” Andrew continues, “I’m still honored, still flattered, and still read ever one of them.”
”One of the wonderful blessings in my life,” Andrew relates, “is that I get a chance to meet so many of the fans. I’m always quick to point out to them that I was a Star Wars fan myself long before I became involved with the saga from a professional standpoint.” Andrew still recalls what it was like to stand in line for hours for the release of the original trilogy and how it felt when he got to shake hands at conventions with the actors from the saga. “I was in attendance at Peter Mayhew’s first American convention. What a thrill it was to meet folks like him and Anthony Daniels who had entertained me so in the films,” explains Andrew, “Fast forward a couple of decades and here I find myself working alongside these talented and charming gentleman. It’s quite humbling.”
Andrew always tries to keep things in perspective. “Before I made a living in this business as a performer and artist I was an outsider who had dreams and goals. I worked very hard to achieve those goals and I continue to work hard at each new dream and each new project. I remember what it was like to ask someone for their autograph and then get it, to solicit advice from a professional VFX artist and then have them tell me how they landed their first job, and to strike up a conversation with the lead actor of a project I had been cast in and then have them share their wisdom with me. Because of that,” he says, “I make time to chat with my fellow fans and I give as much advice and guidance as possible to my fellow artists.”
This is exactly what led Andrew to teach. “I learned long ago that if you like what you’re getting in life and you want more, then you’ve got to be willing to give some back.” Andrew taught visual effects for two years at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and was the school’s Visual Effects Director. Many of the students who signed up for his classes knew of his prior career at ILM and LucasArts, but few suspected that their professor was none other than the dark lord of the Sith himself. “I’ll tell you though,” laughs Andrew, “The internet is a double-edged sword. The great thing about it is that you can find out just about anything, making it an excellent resource tool. The bad thing about it is, well, that you can find out just about anything.” Andrew tells of a time when one of his classes finished early and he had some time to fill before releasing his students. “I had given my lecture, reviewed everyone’s assignment from the week before, and had explained in detail what the new homework was and how I wanted them to do it. In an effort to fill time I asked the class if there were any questions. The room was silent. I asked specifically if anyone had any questions regarding the new homework. Again, no response. Finally I asked them if anybody had any questions about anything. One student at the back of the room spoke up at that point and asked, ‘Is it true that you are Darth Vader?’ The rest of his classmates had expressions ranging from utter confusion to total shock to great excitement. I smiled and inquired as to why he was asking. He said that he had done a little Google search of my name. I responded by saying, ‘Impressive, most impressive.’ He asked me again, ‘Are you Vader?’ I thought for a moment and then replied, ‘Search your feelings,’ then I dismissed the class. The next day it was all over the school.”
Andrew continues to interact with the fans as much as his schedule allows him to. He is particularly impressed by the members of the Fighting 501st Legion. “These are the serious hardcore fans who have made their own expensive exact replica imperial costumes. They are amazing. They’re almost like army reservists. Each has their own life, job, family, and friends, but then they go off on the weekends and troop in their costumes. What I admire most about them is all their charity work.” Oh there’s one other thing that Andrew admires. “They get to take their costumes home at the end of the day. I’ve always had to turn mine back in when I’m done.”
A big thanks goes out from Andrew to the fans. “I am thankful for each and every one of them who contacts me. I am thankful also that the things I have done throughout my career have entertained and enriched the lives of others. That’s not just celebrity-speak either. I mean it. I truly hope that all my future endeavors, whether Star Wars related or not, will continue to keep people entertained and perhaps inspired.”
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