Mark Hamill weighs politics and staying put

The actor said he briefly contemplated moving abroad but stayed on due to his wife’s urging.

Mark Hamill considered leaving the United States after Trump's victory

Mark Hamill told The Times he briefly considered leaving the United States after Donald Trump’s election win, weighing options such as London or Ireland. He said his wife urged him to stay and asked him not to let politics drive him from his home country. The Times also noted Hamill’s long history as a liberal voice in Hollywood while describing the political moment as a backdrop to his reflections.

Describing the Trump era, Hamill said he copes by treating the situation as a political thriller. He cited bullying and incompetence in the administration and warned that the shift could reverberate for decades. He added that he would have moved back to England if not for his belief that there are more honest, decent people than the Maga crowd.

This moment shows how public figures weigh personal risk against public stance. Hamill’s candor illustrates a core tension in modern celebrity politics: speaking out can expand influence but also invite scrutiny and backlash from partisans on both sides. His choice to stay signals a willingness to engage with the moment at home rather than retreat abroad, a stance that could influence fans and fellow actors who watch how public figures handle national upheaval.

The way the interview was framed matters. The Times presented Hamill’s comments as a personal reflection, while other outlets highlighted potential backlash and political polarization. That mix underscores how celebrity voices can become focal points in a broader debate about national identity, loyalty, and accountability in public life.

Highlights

A reminder that culture and politics remain tightly connected in public life.