Mark Hamill’S Pre-‘Star Wars’ Hustle: Living In A Gardener’S Shed For $55 A Month In Socal

From Shed to Stardom: Mark Hamill’s LA Origins

Long before he was swinging a lightsaber as Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill was just another broke actor hustling in the City of Angels. In a recent chat with The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 9, the 73-year-old legend opened up about his pre-‘Star Wars’ days, painting a picture of a life far from the Hollywood red carpet.

Back in the late ‘60s, while studying drama at Los Angeles City College (LACC), Hamill was scrubbing floors as a janitor to pay the bills. After graduating in the early ‘70s, he moved into what he calls a ‘converted gardener’s shed’ - a bare-bones spot with just a shower, toilet, and a hot plate. Rent? A steal at $55 a month, even for back then.

‘I was grinding just to survive,’ Hamill reflected, mentioning gigs at an ice cream joint and a Jack in the Box alongside his shed life. It’s pure LA hustle - the kind of story you hear from every dreamer who’s ever rolled into town with stars in their eyes.

Early Gigs and the Big Break

Before ‘Star Wars’ changed everything in 1977, Hamill was taking whatever acting crumbs he could get. He landed a failed TV pilot and a small part on The Bill Cosby Show, but nothing stuck. That is, until he was 24, and his agent sent him to audition for a little sci-fi flick called ‘Star Wars’ - yeah, you know how that turned out.

‘I didn’t even know what I was signing up for, but that audition flipped my whole world upside down,’ Hamill shared, reminiscing about the moment his SoCal struggle paid off.

From a shed in LA to a galaxy far, far away, Hamill’s journey is the ultimate underdog tale. It’s the kind of grit that defines so many Tinseltown success stories, where every diner shift or odd job is just a step closer to the big time.

Wildfire Woes in Malibu

Fast forward to today, and Hamill’s life looks a lot different - though not without its own drama. He and his wife of 47 years, Marilou, have been living in a rental in Los Feliz (a trendy LA neighborhood known for its artsy vibe and Griffith Park views) after their longtime Malibu home took a hit from the devastating LA wildfires in January.

The couple’s Big Rock, Malibu property - where they tied the knot in 1978 and raised their three kids - was spared from burning down, thanks to a high-tech fire system that sprays hundreds of gallons of pool water per minute across the estate. Marilou told PEOPLE that their setup likely saved a neighbor’s house too, with the wind carrying the water just right.

But here’s the kicker: even though the house still stands, it’s uninhabitable due to toxic chemical residue from the fires. After nearly five decades of memories in that SoCal beachside haven, they can’t return yet. ‘It’s heartbreaking, but we’re holding onto hope,’ Marilou added, dreaming of the day they can rebuild their life in the place that means so much.

A Home Full of Memories and Hope

The Hamills aren’t just sitting back amidst the chaos - they’ve poured their hearts into a documentary, ‘Big Rock Burning,’ which they executive produced. The film shines a light on Malibu residents who faced the January wildfires head-on, often with little help. It’s a raw look at the destruction that’s become all too common in California’s fire season.

For Mark and Marilou, their Malibu home isn’t just a house - it’s where they built a family and a life. ‘We got married there, raised our kids there; it’s irreplaceable,’ Marilou shared with PEOPLE. They’ve scoped out places in Los Feliz, but their hearts are set on returning to Big Rock one day.

Through it all, Hamill’s story - from a $55 shed to a Malibu estate - reminds us of the wild ride that is life in LA. It’s a city of dreams and disasters, where you can go from scraping by to battling nature’s wrath, all while holding onto hope for a comeback. Stay tuned, because if anyone can rebuild, it’s a Jedi like Mark Hamill.