May the fourth is special at Canberra Daily because we have a bona fide Jedi in our office – art director Phoebe Yiamkiati – and not only has she wielded a light saber in a Star Wars film, heartthrob actor Ewan McGregor called her “gorgeous”. True story.
Phoebe’s resume would be a great read. Alongside her graphic designer credentials, she could boast: “member of the Jedi order and guardian of peace and justice in the galaxy”. Her qualifications could also brag about having the Force.
Seriously, Phoebe has a great dinner-party conversation-starter.
“I was doing a lot of acting when I was younger [age six], my mum put me into it, and I just auditioned for the role and got a part as an extra (in Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones),” Phoebe said. “I met [director] George Lucas and Ewan McGregor [Obi-Wan Kenobi]. I only remember a little conversation with Ewan McGregor, my mum was there and he told her that I was gorgeous. I remember looking up at him, it’s very ingrained in my memory, he’s very handsome and very nice.”
Phoebe is modest when she says she was an “extra” – her Jedi character actually had a name – Mari Amithest (born between 30 BBY and 26 BBY). She even had a line to say (“if the planet blew up the gravity would go away”). Sadly, it got cut in the final edit. (Phoebe did get to say “Hello, master Obi-Wan” collectively with her Jedi classmates).
“I was so sad it got cut,” Phoebe recalled. “I do remember being on set, I was in a room with all these other young Jedis, but you can’t see my face because we’re all wearing helmets.”
No matter, Phoebe’s in good company because UK actor Daniel Craig (aka James Bond) once did a cameo as a Stormtrooper and no-one saw his face either. Even the UK’s royal princes – Harry and William – once played Star Wars extras but their cameo ended up on the cutting-room floor.
Phoebe’s story gets better – she got to keep her Jedi costume and lightsaber (unfortunately lost in the passage of time). And typical of a six-year-old kid, she loved the catering on set.
The wave of stardom continued after she wrapped up filming at Fox Studios in Sydney. Her agent would send her photos and collector cards to sign for fans – an autographed picture of six-year-old Phoebe (as Mari Amithest) sold on eBay back in 2012. Her character is also featured in the Star Wars Clone Wars book.
Phoebe hasn’t always acted in sci-fi, however, from age four to 12, she featured in ads (remember that Panadol ad with the toddler in a penguin suit?), short films and modeled for clothing brands. Her role as a Jedi, however, is her most illustrious.
“It was fun even though I didn’t realise I was with all these stars at the time,” Phoebe said. “But it’s cool looking back now.”
Think of the fun Phoebe could have in the Census. Name: Mari Amithest. Gender: Force-sensitive human female. Religion: raised within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Education: trained in the ways of the Force and lightsaber combat. Place of birth: Galactic Republic.
“It’s a good fact about me that I can say in interviews,” Phoebe said. “It’s a conversation starter that’s for sure.”
May the fourth be with you.
