Mark Hamill Explains Reasoning Behind Political Joker Impersonations

It’s no secret: the landscape of American politics have been thrown into upheaval over the past […]

September 5, 2017, 9:01pm

It’s no secret: the landscape of American politics have been thrown into upheaval over the past month. Whether you are for or against the current climate, netizens have taken to the Internet to vent their frustrations or defend their causes to others. Of course, celebrities have not been immune to the cause, but few have used their actual on-screen characters to make a statement. So, of course, Star Wars‘ Mark Hamill would go against the grain.

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Since January kicked off, Hamill has found himself subjected to hundreds of headlines thanks to his now-famous Joker impressions. The actor, who has voiced the DC Comics villain for years, used his gravely voice to reiterate lines spoken by controversial political lines from officials. And, after plenty of backlash and praise, Hamill is explaining why he choice to use the Joker to represent his political standing.

Speaking to Huffington Post, Hamill said he does not want to make the impressions an “ongoing thing” but that several quotes have been said that he needed to address.

“The second one was when he insulted Meryl Streep,” he said. “Nobody could ignore … I mean, c’mon, it’s like a Mel Brooks comedy. He’s so funny! I mean, my jaw hit the ground. That one I felt I almost had a moral obligation to do.”

Continuing, Hamill defended his right to critique the political climate as a U.S. citizen rather than actor.

“I totally agree with people who say, ‘Ah you’re a celebrity, shut up, we don’t want to hear your opinion,’” said Hamill, “But I’m also a citizen. They’re entitled to their opinion, as well. I’m not interested in telling other people how to vote. I mean, honestly, I think this man has showed us who he is, and if you find that acceptable in a president, more power to you, that’s what America is all about …”