'The Star Wars Holiday Special' trivia and fun facts

Bea Arthur claimed she only appeared in this special because her youngest was a big La guerra de las galaxias (1977) fan.

According to David Acomba, he recommended Robin Williams for the special but the producers turned him down.

Harrison Ford was particularly reluctant to appear in this special but eventually was convinced.

George Lucas famously tried (and failed) to buy up all master copies to make sure it was never broadcast again.

There was talk of a possible spin-off TV series but it never got past that early stage

Mark Hamill had been in a near-fatal car accident a few weeks earlier, and had just had reconstructive facial surgery.