What Does The Actor Playing C-3PO Look Like?

If you passed Anthony Daniels on the street and didn't know who he was, you would miss the chance to talk to one of the biggest, most beloved characters of all time. That's because Daniels plays C-3PO in the Star Wars films. In fact, the 69-year-old has played the golden, nervous, and lovable droid in all seven Star Wars movies that have debuted since 1977, including in J.J. Abrams' new Star Wars: The Force Awakens — this time his costume is 3D printed and has one red arm. C-3PO is instantly recognizable, but in real life Daniels looks like your everyday older chap.

Daniels has been the only C-3PO; no other actor has ever taken his place. In fact, Daniels is the only star who has been in every single Star Wars movie. It makes sense — the C-3PO suit is ageless! But what about Daniels, the man behind the droid? Is he anything like '3-PO?

Apparently, not at all. In an in-depth interview with New York Magazine called "The Last Human Robot," Daniels talked about what it was like to be in that shiny suit for more than four decades. (The magazine also did profiles on Daniels in 1977 and 1998, with similar photos of him sitting with the pieces of his signature golden metal suit around him.) The actor, unlike C-3PO, is extremely opinionated and prickly, having had an infamous dispute with Kenny Baker, the man who played his droid best pal, R2-D2.

Still, Daniels feels total kinship with the role and the franchise. It was his idea to fully come back (rather than just voice acting) to play the real-live robot for the new movies along with the other "legacy players," the stars from the original trilogy like Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill. "There was no way I was just going to do the voice," he said, of JJ Abrams offering to get another actor to get in the suit so Daniels wouldn't have to. And he is protective of his droid alter-ego: "I like C-3PO, I’m very fond of him, and if anybody belittles him, they belittle me.”

So, here's what the man behind the droid looks like:

Here’s Daniels In 2015

At a press event with General Leia, Carrie Fisher.

All His New York Magazine Covers

Look at the way that suit has grown, too!

With His Golden Likeness

And George Lucas, of course.

On The Death Star

Daniels is much more confident facing the Dark Side than his robot alias.

Stopping At The Water Cooler

C-3PO needs oil, Daniels needs H20. With a very young Luke!

Unmasked On Set

Ya see? It's really him inside there.

With His Droid Friends

Clearly the real stars of Star Wars!

With A Tiny Princess Leia

OMG.

Daniels will be back and more golden than ever when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters Dec. 18. And he, for one, thinks the secrecy of the franchise's new movie has been "ludicrous." I'm with you there, '3-PO.

Image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures