Oscar-Winning Film Editor, Marica Lucas Has Died

RANCHO MIRAGE—On May 27, Oscar-winning film editor, Marcia Lucas died at age 80, from cancer. A native of the Golden State, Marcia Lou Griffin, was born in Modesto, California in 1945. She was married to George Lucas (1969-1983) and married her Production Manager from Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch, Tom Rodrigues (1983-1993). The same year they married George, they first edited and co-edited THX 1138.

Lucas’s combination of talents brought forth “The Candidate” in 1972. Marcia was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Editing “American Graffiti” in 1973. “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” and “Taxi Driver.” In 1977, she was nominated for another Academy Award for Best Editing of “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope,” “New York-New York,” “More American Graffiti” and “Star Wars Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Star Wars Episode VI-Return of the Jedi.”

Marcia was the Executive Producer in 1996 for “No Easy Way” and produced “The Good Son” in 1998.

“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 morning her loss,” Lucas Films said in a statement on X.

“We just lost another legend today. Marcia Lucas, the Academy Award-Winning editor whose work helped shape some of the greatest films ever made. Though often overlooked by the public, her storytelling instincts and editing talent played a major role in the success of the original Star Wars trilogy and many new Hollywood classics,” said Onii Chand. “Her impact on cinema will on through the films that continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, legend,” she added.

“Marcia will be remembered a s a brilliant storyteller, a trailblazer for women in film, a loving mother, grandmother, a generous host, and a loyal friend whose humor and sparkle filled every room she entered. Her influence on film is indelible., but those who knew her best will remember the way she made life feel more vivid, more beautiful, more fun, and more-full of love,” the family stated to Variety magazine.

Marcia leaves behind daughters, Amanda Lucas and Amy Soper, her grandchildren Felix and Aeliana Hallikainen, Knox Soper, and her like family, Sarah Dyer and Jon Taylor.