Anthony Daniels, born on 21 February 1946, is a British actor and mime artist whose name is inextricably linked with one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. For nearly five decades, he has been the man inside the golden shell of C-3PO, the fussy, protocol droid of the Star Wars universe. His journey with the franchise began in 1977 with Star Wars and concluded with the saga's finale in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, making him the only actor to have appeared in or been involved with all eleven theatrical films in the series. His remarkable tenure has been marked by a unique blend of physical performance and vocal characterisation, a feat that initially gave him pause.

Despite his eventual iconic status, Daniels was initially reluctant to take on the role of a robotic character. It was only upon seeing Ralph McQuarrie's first concept painting of C-3PO and R2-D2 on the desert planet of Tatooine that he felt an unexpected empathy for the droid, a moment that changed the course of his career. Prior to this, Daniels had been building a respectable career in theatre, appearing in productions such as Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. He also lent his voice to the character of Legolas in Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings in 1978, showcasing a versatility that extended beyond the Star Wars universe.

Beyond his central role as C-3PO, Daniels has demonstrated a wide-ranging talent. He voiced the character CZ-3 in Star Wars and took on the role of Tak in Solo: A Star Wars Story. His association with the character has also led to appearances in non-canon projects, including The Lego Movie and The Muppet Show, as well as numerous commercials. Outside of acting, he has narrated and hosted a variety of documentaries, beginning with the 1977 television special The Making of Star Wars and continuing with series like Science of Star Wars. He has also hosted numerous events, including the Star Wars: In Concert tour since 2009, and has provided narration for documentaries that retell the films from C-3PO's perspective.

Daniels' dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to recount the physical and logistical challenges of the role, particularly the arduous filming conditions in Tunisia, which he has detailed in documentaries such as Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. His deep personal history with the franchise, from his first meeting with director George Lucas in November 1975 to the final wrap on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was chronicled in his 2019 memoir, I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story. Away from a galaxy far, far away, Daniels has appeared in British television dramas like Prime Suspect alongside Helen Mirren and Holby City, and has shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center. His enduring legacy is a testament to his commitment, artistry, and the profound connection he forged with one of cinema's most beloved characters.