Beloved Oscar-Winning Editor and George Lucas’ Ex-Wife Passes Away at 80 – Our Hearts Go Out

Marcia Lucas, who was married to George Lucas from 1969 to 1983, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, at the age of 80, per PEOPLE.

She died from metastatic cancer at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

“Marcia was a force,” her family said in a statement to PEOPLE. “A true trailblazer for women in film and one of the most influential editors in cinematic history; she helped redefine what film editing could be and paved the way for generations of women who followed.”

“She will be remembered as a brilliant storyteller, an incredible friend, a loving mother, a generous host, and a woman whose humor and sparkle filled every room she entered,” the statement continued. “Her influence on film is indelible, but those who knew her best will remember something even greater: the way she made life feel more vivid, more beautiful, more fun, and more full of love.”

She is survived by her daughters and three grandchildren. Her family asks for privacy as they mourn so they can celebrate Marcia’s “extraordinary life and legacy.”

Marcia Lucas’ Legendary Career

Marcia met George while they were both working as assistants for film editor Verna Fields, going on to get married in 1969. The couple adopted a daughter, Amanda, who was born in 1981.

Marcia began her career working as an editing assistant on Haskell Wexler’s “Medium Cool” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rain People,”

She then worked closely with George, co-editing his first three movies beginning with 1971’s THX-1138. Next was 1973’s American Graffiti, where she earned an Oscar nomination. She ultimately won an Oscar in 1978 for her work on the original film “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” In 1983, she returned to co-edit “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”

The two divorced in 1983, and Marcia went on to marry artist Tom Rodrigues, and they also had a daughter together, Amy, but the two got divorced in 1993.

She also worked on films such as Martin Scorsese’s “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), “Taxi Driver” (1976), and “New York, New York” (1977).

Fans Pay Tribute To Marcia Lucas

“Everyone at Lucasfilm was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marcia Lucas. One of three Oscar-winning editors who worked on Star Wars: A New Hope, she also contributed to American Graffiti, among other early Lucasfilm productions. We join the global filmmaking community in mourning her loss,” the official Star Wars account posted.

“Prayers and condolences, May the force be with her always🙏🏽🫶🏽💐,” one fan wrote.

“Star Wars would not have had the quality it started with without her. Rest in peace 😞,” another fan expressed.

“Absolute legend. RIP,” a fan stated.

“May she rest in peace. Really she was the one that put the magic touch on Star Wars,” one person posted.

“Women in film lost a pioneer today Her influence on editing is still taught in film schools,” another person commented.

“Sad to hear about Marcia Lucas passing…her editing on the original Star Wars was straight-up magic that made the whole thing fly,” someone said.

“She edited the soul into Star Wars Rest in peace to a trailblazer,” one fan shared.

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