It’s truly the end of an era as Lucasfilm lifer Lynne Hale steps away from the company after a fruitful 35 years, a timespan key in the life of Lucasfilm that saw her bring her unique talents to the company, helping steer it through a number of evolutions into the company it is today.
Fans of a certain age will remember the essential Lynne’s Diaries as we scoured the ‘net for news of The Phantom Menace, and seen her at numerous events, always present and keeping a close eye on proceedings.
As she rides off into the sunset, her Lucasfilm colleagues paid tribute, bot onoy to her contributions to the company, and for being such a superstar.
“Across 35 years of working with her, I’ve never had a colleague more astute, collaborative and loyal than Lynne Hale. A good person through and through, she’s one of the mainstays of the Star Wars experience and went on to be a key player in Lucasfilm. I’ve valued Lynne’s sage advice and friendship and couldn’t be happier for her to be realizing her dream of seeking new challenges and adventures.” — George Lucas (Founder, Lucasfilm) to The Hollywood Reporter
“Lynne Hale has been an invaluable part of our Lucasfilm family for 35 years. In that time, her infectious enthusiasm and compassionate leadership have helped shape the company we are today, filling us with hope, determination, and heart. Friends, colleagues, and fans alike have found her to be a loyal and constant ally, who is always searching for new opportunities to inspire and delight. While Lynne will be deeply missed by all of us at Lucasfilm, we look forward to discovering what wonderful, surprising, and epic adventures await her in the years to come.” — Kathleen Kennedy (President, Lucasfilm)
“There is a spark to Lynne that is contagious. I’ve known her for over 30 years, and she has always been there for me, as I know she’s been for the entire Lucasfilm family. She has a huge heart and is truly an unsung hero. Incredibly hard working and kind, her warm smile and boundless energy bring out the best in everyone. I will miss her dearly and am thrilled that more people will now get to share her incredible spirit.” — Doug Chiang (VP and Executive Creative Director, Star Wars)
“For more than 35 years, Lynne Hale has been the heart and soul of Lucasfilm. I will always cherish my time working with her and am lucky that I will always be able to count on her as a dear friend. Everything about Lynne is inspiring — her heart, her energy, her integrity and intuition are unmatched as is her advocacy for her team, the company, and most of all, our fans. I will miss seeing Lynne every day but I cannot wait to see her spread her special brand of positivity broader in the world during her ‘Inspirement.’” — Lynwen Brennan (EVP and General Manager, Lucasfilm)
“Since the very first moment I met Lynne Hale, I knew she’d be someone very special in my life. She’s gone above and beyond her title and has proven to be the heart and soul of Lucasfilm. She’s a connector of souls, a communicator of true intention, an interpreter of the ambiguous, and the most honest ambassador of love and support. She has left tremendous shoes to fill, but Lynne would be the first person to tell that person in those shoes that they’re a perfect fit. Love you, Lynne. Congratulations on your retirement.” — Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks, Star Wars prequels)
“I’m really going to miss Lynne. You know someone is really good at their job when they are able to make it all appear so effortless. No matter your worries, her warm smile and sense of humor let you know that everything was going to be fine, and Lynne somehow always made sure it was.” — John Knoll (Executive Creative Director / Sr. VFX Supervisor, ILM)
“Simply put, Lynne Hale is an icon. I’ve had the great fortune of learning from Lynne for the past 14 years and her wisdom and advice have changed my life. Lynne is truly one of the nicest people I know and her kindness makes her so powerful, just like Ahsoka Tano.” — Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels)
“I know I have a guardian angel because my life’s path intersected with Lynne Hale’s. During the production of the Star Wars prequels, Lynne had boundless energy, enthusiasm, and passion for what ILM was creating. She was our champion and my personal coach as I navigated the gauntlet of press junkets and interviews; she always had a smile, a laugh, and a wink of encouragement. For that, I will be forever grateful.” — Rob Coleman (Animation Supervisor, ILM)
We’ve been fortunate enough to have met Lynne a number of times over the years, while here at Fantha Tracks and before when involved in other endeavours, and she was consistently nothing but wonderfully generous with her time and giving with that smile. Everything’s ok when Lynne is around, and while things will no doubt continue just fine, it won’t be quite the same without her around.
