Tina Simmons is an English actress who played a Rebel Technician in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.
(More about Tina on IMDb)

Thank you Tina Simmons for your time for this little interview.

- Tina you played in one of the biggest SiFi movies of all time,Star Wars, Can you tell how you got cast for Star Wars And how did you get your part assigned?

My agent sent me for an audition for a part in 'Return of the Jedi', and I was cast as a 'Rebel Technician'.
 

 

What would you say how much changed The Return of the Jedi your life?
Working on 'Return of the Jedi' has changed my life.  I only started recently to attend Conventions.  I was asked fourteen years ago, but at the time I wasn't available at weekends.

I've enjoyed meeting the English and American actors from the 'Star Wars' original trilogy, especially some old friends that I haven't seen for many years.  There's a real camaraderie and friendship among us.

 

 

 

The Star Wars phenomenon was huge when you got your part for the Return of the Jedi. Did you watch 16 years later the start of the new prequel Movies or now the new Disney Movies?

I've watched the new Disney movies, and have enjoyed them.
 

 

What do you remember most of you work in The Return of the Jedi?
In the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, the sets were all real. It was not technical, and Computer Imagery was not used, unlike today's films.
 

 

My character a 'Rebel Technician', was in the 'Interior of the Headquarters Frigate in the Main Briefing Room'.
The characters Han Solo, Princess Leia and Chewbacca were in the same scene.  There was a good atmosphere, especially when the actor Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Clarissian arrived on set.  He told a few jokes, and was fun to be around.

I was positioned near C-3PO, played by Anthony Daniels.  Anthony was uncomfortable in his metal suit.  It was a lot easier for R2-D2, played by the late Kenny Baker, as the top of his Droid came off easily.

Carrie Fisher was friendly.  I had a chat with her and her fiancé Paul Simon (of Simon and Garfunkel) who visited the set.

The director Richard Marquand had a clear vision of the scene.  George Lucas oversaw everything.
 

 

 

Tina , you not only known for your role in Star Wars, you also played in RED 2 , The Dark Knight, James Bond and many many more. Whats your favorite movie so far?
I enjoyed working on a lot of films  including the Bond franchise, Superman films and The Dark Knight.

A few years ago I worked on a film called 'Survivor' with Pierce Brosnan.  He was very nice to everyone, so the following day I bought in a photo of him and I.  This photo was taken on the TV film 'Around the World in Eighty Days, many years ago.  When I showed Pierce the photo, he was delighted to see it.  He got a crowd of people to look at it, including the director.  Pierce thanked me for bringing the photo in to show him.

 

 

I also worked on 'Superman' with the late Christopher Reeve.  Christoper lived in London for ten years, and was a neighbour.  I used to see him often, and we used to have a chat.  He was charming.


I'm on the left hand side, next to the character 'Lois Lane'.

I enjoyed working on 'Return of the Jedi'.  I'm proud to be involved in such an iconic film.
I also enjoy meeting all the 'Star Wars' fans, who make me feel so welcome.
 

Next year you will come to Germany  at the Union of the Force Convention - Hernebration 4. Will this your first Con in Germany?

I'm looking forward to my visit to Herne next year.
Herne will be my first Convention in Germany.  I only started attending Conventions last year.

 

Thank you Tina and when you would you can say some last words to your fans.
That I always look forward to meeting the Star Wars fans, and thank them for their belief and commitment. May The Force be with you.

 

Tina Simmons