George Lucas, 80, is a name that needs no introduction. The man behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones has spent decades shaping pop culture, but away from the cameras and box office records, his personal life is just as fascinating. While fans know him as the visionary filmmaker who brought lightsabers and Jedi to life, his role as a husband and father is a story worth telling in its own right. His wife, Mellody Hobson, 56, is a powerhouse in the business world, and together, they’ve built a family that blends Hollywood glamour, financial brilliance, and down-to-earth values.
Mellody Hobson Isn’t Just George Lucas’ Wife—She’s a Trailblazer in Her Own League
Born and raised in Chicago, she grew up with a single mother who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. That tough upbringing shaped her into the relentless achiever she is today. She climbed her way to the top of the finance world, becoming the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a firm managing billions in assets.
But she didn’t stop there. She’s been a director at Starbucks, DreamWorks Animation, and JPMorgan Chase, breaking barriers as one of the most influential Black women in corporate America. In 2015, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Princeton University even named a residential college after her, making her the first Black woman to receive that honor.
Their love story is something out of a modern fairy tale. They met in 2005 at a business conference, where George was speaking, and Mellody was moderating. Sparks flew, but they took it slow, dating for years before tying the knot in 2013 at Lucas’ legendary Skywalker Ranch. The wedding was a star-studded affair with guests like Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford.
How Many Kids Do They Share?
Three months later, they welcomed their daughter, Everest, via surrogate, making George a father for the fourth time. What’s striking about their relationship is how different their worlds seem on the surface—he’s the creative genius behind some of the biggest films ever made, and she’s the sharp financial mind who thrives in boardrooms. Yet, they complement each other perfectly, balancing imagination with pragmatism.
George’s journey as a father is just as compelling. He has four kids—three adopted and one biological. His eldest, Amanda, was adopted during his first marriage to film editor Marcia Griffin. Amanda took a path far from Hollywood, stepping into the world of mixed martial arts and even competing professionally. Then there’s Katie, adopted after his divorce, who has dabbled in the Star Wars universe, contributing to projects and making appearances at fan events.
Jett, his youngest adopted son, has also worked behind the scenes in the film industry, particularly in visual effects, keeping the Lucas legacy alive in a different way. But it’s Everest, his biological daughter with Mellody Hobson, who truly changed his perspective on life. After her birth, George shifted gears, stepping back from the spotlight to focus on fatherhood. He once admitted that raising her became his greatest adventure, even more than creating Star Wars.
The Lucas-Hobson family isn’t just about fame and fortune. They’re deeply committed to giving back. Together, they founded the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in Los Angeles in 2025, which will showcase everything from classic paintings to comic books and movie memorabilia. They’ve also donated millions to education, including a groundbreaking $10 million gift to NYU’s film school to support aspiring filmmakers. Mellody, in particular, is a vocal advocate for financial literacy and diversity in corporate leadership, using her platform to push for real change.
Despite their high-profile lives, they keep their family life surprisingly private. You won’t see them splashed across tabloids or posting daily updates on social media. But when they do step out, it’s always memorable—like when George received an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with Mellody by his side, radiating pride. It’s clear that after decades of building empires—whether in film or finance—what matters most to them is family. George Lucas may have given us Star Wars, but his real-life story, filled with love, resilience, and reinvention, is just as epic.
