What did you think of Star Wars when you saw it for the first time?
I saw it when it came out. I remember going with my first boyfriend, Marco, and we waited in a very long line. We went with his mom and dad. There were people smoking something next to us that weren't cigarettes, and his parents were getting kind of mad about it. The movie was so incredible! It was so exciting. I closed my eyes for a lot of it, and I thought Princess Leia was really pretty.
Which Star Wars film made you become a fan?
The real obsession with Star Wars didn't really start to take hold until I was well into my 30s. I was into it as kid for sure, but I didn't become totally obsessed like I am now until fairly recently. I just love them all. I don't have a favorite really.
Sometimes I get so emotional I can't even watch, like when Han Solo gets frozen and Chewbacca lets out that painful scream. I can't even think about it without crying. I am kind of crying right now when I am remembering it. It is painful for me but it is still my favorite.
Which film have you seen most recently?
I just watched Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi over a few nights to christen my new fancy TV and DVD player. It was just a treat. That is my big treat to myself, to watch the first three in order because they are the most thrilling to me.
Were you the kind of kid who would play with Star Wars toys?
I had a bunch of action figures. My favorite of course was Chewbacca. I also remember a kind of furry Chewbacca that was fuzzy and not just hard plastic. I don't know if I dreamt it or if this was my actual toy. I have memories of brushing it, of it coming with an actual brush, and it got gum in it and stuff.
Do you still collect any Star Wars toys, comics, action figures, cards, etc? What is your pride and joy item?
My pride and joy is a vintage Chewbacca shirt given to me by Lucas Silveira from the band The Cliks. It is my favorite shirt of all time! My second favorite is my Chewbacca button, given to me by Liam Sullivan.
So it's clear you're a fan of the Wookiee.
Chewbacca is so cute. And I want to brush him, or at least braid him. I love him. I want to know what he has in his bag. I think Chewbacca and the Wookiees are the most mysterious characters. I want to know more about them!
It's obvious you're a fan of the films, but do you ever venture into Expanded Universe and read Star Wars comics and books?
I know that one of the newest Jedi is a Wookiee -- his name is Lowbacca. He's Chewbacca's nephew, I think. At least that is what is in the novels. I am excited that a Wookiee is finally going to be a Jedi Knight!
The imagery and the stories are tremendously iconic. They chronicle the human experience just like mythology is supposed to, but it is modern, from our lifetime, so people really bond with the characters. They see themselves in the stories. Also you can use Jedi wisdom and philosophy in real life! It is amazing!
Has Star Wars influenced your work at all as comedian?
Sometimes when I am not sure what to do, if I am stuck or backed into a corner, I close my eyes and I let the Force guide me. I am totally serious! It works!
A new book came out last year -- The Force in the Flesh -- profiling fans who've gotten really impressive Star Wars tattoos. Considering your own love for ink, what do you think of fans who go under the tattoo gun to show off their pride?
I think it is great!
Would you ever get a Star Wars tattoo?
I am not sure if i would get a Star Wars tattoo, only because my tattoos are all fairly Japanese, and so they don't really go. Though I do think that Star Wars is very Japanese in a way -- there is a Samurai feel to the whole thing.
Why will Star Wars always be cool to you?
Because I love it! It connects me to my childhood. And because I am a Jedi!
Learn more about Margaret Cho on her official site here.
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