The annual Star Wars Day was marked on Monday, but some fans might be surprised to know that Denis Lawson, who played Rebel Alliance flyer Wedge Antilles has a surprising link elsewhere in the franchise…
Denis, now aged 78, shot to fame thanks to the Star Wars trilogy, appearing in the first three films as a Rebel commander famed with is exploits with the X-wings. Denis has returned to the franchise on several other occasions, including in The Rise of Skywalker and Star Wars: Visions.
The Scottish actor is also famed for his appearances in Holby City, Bleak House and New Tricks, while also being nominated for three Olivier Awards, winning Best Actor back in 1983 for his performance in Mr Cinders.
Denis' sister, Carol, married James McGregor, and the pair have since welcomed two sons, one of whom is Ewan McGregor who starred in the Star Wars prequel trilogy as Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the most pivotal characters in the franchise.
Here's all you need to know…
Denis' famous nephew Ewan McGregor
Ewan shot to fame when he starred in Trainspotting as Mark Renton, and he quickly followed up the performance by securing the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The actor appeared in all three films in the prequel trilogy, starring in iconic moments, including his fight in Revenge of the Sith with Anakin Skywalker that prompts the latter's transformation into Darth Vader.
Ewan has since remained as an A-list actor, appearing in the likes of Moulin Rouge!, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, The Ghost Writer, T2 Trainspotting and Christopher Robin. While he is yet to be nominated for an Oscar, he has won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
© Alamy Stock PhotoEwan's children are also keeping the family's acting legacy alive, as two of his daughters, Clara and Esther, have started on their own paths to stardom. Clara has credits in the likes of Christopher Robin, The Birthday Cake and Running on Empty, while Esther has appeared in Babygirl, A Place in Hell and the Disney series Obi-Wan Kenobi, which also starred her father.
Denis and Ewan have also acted together, with the pair appearing in the 2011 film Perfect Sense, with Denis playing the role of Ewan's character's boss. Speaking about their joint performance, Ewan told the BBC: "It's the first time I've acted with my uncle ever.
© Variety via Getty Images"I've been directed by him in a play in London and then we did a short film in Edinburgh called Solid Geometry and if he hadn't been an actor I'm sure I wouldn't have thought to be one. He has inspired me all my life and yet I've never acted with him, and I was always waiting for something really special to do with him and this came to fruition and I was really really happy to do it.
"It was quite unusual and lovely to be playing scenes with him, after 39 years of waiting it felt very natural and easy, it was good."
© Getty Images for BAFTAIt's clear that Denis is proud of the career that Ewan has made for himself, and last year, when the actor was presented with a BAFTA Scotland Outstanding Contribution Award, it was Denis who gave the honour to his nephew.
At the ceremony, Denis called Ewan an "extraordinarily versatile actor" while Ewan added: "I can't imagine anybody I would rather get this amazing award from than my uncle Denis."
