Mark Hamill says being an actor is 'trivial'

Actor Mark Hamill. Photo / Getty Images

Mark Hamill thinks being an actor is "trivial".

The 64-year-old actor took time out from promoting Star Wars: The Force Awakens - in which he reprises his role as Luke Skywalker - to visit sick kids at London's Great Ormond Street hospital last week and says the trip put his life in perspective.

He told the Independent newspaper: "One of the greatest things I am given because of the profession I am in is the ability to give back. It feels wonderful.

"It can be harrowing emotionally because your heart goes out to these children but it's also very uplifting. You walk away thinking being an actor is so trivial compared to helping needy children."

Mark thinks the "optimistic and hopeful" nature of Star Wars is important, but pales in comparison to helping those in need.

He added: "Star Wars movies are meant to be a couple of hours of diversion from reality, and we need that. They are optimistic and hopeful stories.

"But in comparison to what we can do with this [the hospital], [the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens] is very trivial."

Among the patients the actor met was four-year-old Jake Morgan, who is recovering from a kidney transplant.

The little boy's mother, Samantha, said: "It was great to meet Mark - we always watch the films. My brother Scott is a huge fan - he made me watch them when I was little. He is going to be amazed."

- Bang! Showbiz