Mark Hamill shocked Ukrainian president contacted him to be ambassador for 'army of drones': 'I’m a court jester'
On The Mehdi Hasan Show Sunday, Mark Hamill spoke about being asked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to aid in the country’s defense against the Russian invasion, and expressed shock that he was sought out.
“I’m not used to being contacted by world leaders. You know, I’m a court jester. I’m a nonessential worker. I do cartoon voices, and TV and movies,” Hamill said. “I was honored to be contacted by him, and basically what they were wanting to do was, become a so-called ambassador, which is a glorified word for representative, for their army of drones.”
Hamill was asked to take part in the United24 fundraising campaign, specifically raising money to help Ukraine build that army of drones.
“Drones define war outcomes,” Hamill said. “They’re essential for Ukraine to protect their border, to protect their citizens, and that’s what I hope people will do.”
Hamill said he spoke to Zelensky for longer than he’d expected, and speculated on why that might have been.
“I was surprised he spoke to me as long as he did,” Hamill said. “I thought, ‘My gosh, this is a man that has a lot on his agenda.’ But he took the time, and who knows? Maybe he’s just a Star Wars fan.”
Video Transcript
MARK HAMILL: I'm not used to being contacted by world leaders. I'm a court jester. I'm a essential worker. I do cartoon voices and TV and movies.
KYLIE MAR: Mark Hamill appeared on the Mehdi Hasan show Sunday where he spoke about being asked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to help in the country's defense against the Russian invasion.
MARK HAMILL: I was honored to be contacted by him. And basically, what they were wanting me to do was become the so-called ambassador, which is a glorified word for representative of their army of drones.
KYLIE MAR: Hamill is taking part in the United 24 fundraising campaign in support of Ukraine, specifically to raise money for drones for the Ukrainian army.
MARK HAMILL: Drones define war outcomes. It's essential for Ukraine to protect their border, to protect their citizens, and that's what I hope people will do.
KYLIE MAR: And Hamill spoke about why he wanted to help Ukraine.
MARK HAMILL: It's the classic David versus Goliath. Everyone expected Ukraine to just immediately surrender to this invading force. And I think to see them fight back with such courage, it's been an inspiration to see.
KYLIE MAR: Hamill had previously stated that Zelensky made a Star Wars reference during their lengthy conversation and speculated on why he spoke to the Ukrainian President for as long as he did.
MARK HAMILL: I was surprised he spoke to me as long as he did. I thought, my gosh, this is a man that has a lot on his agenda. But he took the time, and who knows. Maybe he's just a Star Wars fan.
