‘Star Wars’ stars then and now

One of the most beloved "Star Wars" characters is also the one with the least screen time. Yoda was brought to life in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" by puppeteer/voice actor Frank Oz.

Peter Mayhew was the man inside the suit when it came to playing the Wookiee Chewbacca.

You can't see them inside their droid costumes, but Anthony Daniels portrayed C-3PO and Kenny Baker played R2-D2.

It took two people to bring Darth Vader to life. David Prowse wore the suit and acted on the sets, while James Earl Jones provided Vader's distinctive baritone.

"Star Wars" creator George Lucas (seen here in 1986) wrote and directed the original "Star Wars," but stuck to writing and producing the other films in the original trilogy.

Alec Guinness, who played the Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy, died of liver cancer at age 86 on Aug. 5, 2000.

"The Last Jedi," which saw her character promoted to General Leia Organa, was one of Fisher's last roles. She's seen here on set with director Rian Johnson.

Harrison Ford (Han Solo) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) are seen here in a scene from 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back."

Mark Hamill is seen here as Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars."

Friday marks not only the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" but also the 42nd anniversary of the premiere of the original "Star Wars." To mark the day, join us for a look at the 1977 movie's stars then and now while also remembering those we have lost over the years.