As Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars," a shrewd Guinness negotiated one of Hollywood's first percentage movie deals, taking a small cut of the profits instead of a fat fee, reported the National Enquirer.
The Force was with him, and Guinness -- who passed away August 5 at age 86 -- hauled in an estimated $10 million-plus in royalties!
But he despised the part so much, he begged director George Lucas to kill off the character.
Guinness divulged to a pal: "What I didn't tell George was that I couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful lines."
Respected British movie critic Derek Malcolm told an interviewer: "He just got sick and tired of the special effects -- he thought the acting should provide the special effects."
Sir Alec wasn't comfortable with worldwide adulation that came with the role, and he hated "Star Wars" fans who made pilgrimages to his English country home. He threw away letters from thousands of fans without opening them.
But he did retain a warm spot for George Lucas, revealed an insider. "He was always grateful to George for making him a wealthy man"--Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
