A long time ago -- 30 years to this day to be exact -- in movie theaters not so far, far away, the film world was changed forever with the release of writer-director George Lucas' first space opera, "Star Wars."

Of course, "Star Wars" spawned two more gigantic chapters and a massive prequel trilogy -- and from its box office receipts and revolution of the film merchandising industry, namely action figures, it became a multibillion-dollar franchise. It also made unknown actors cultural icons and box office giants, and more than anything, it captured the imaginations of millions of people worldwide.

Thousands of those fans, in fact, have turned out in, well, "Force," in Los Angeles for the weekend, to honor the experience with the massive fan convention, Celebration IV.

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Images: 'Star Wars' Celebration IV

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As one of those young fans who were wowed by "Star Wars" came out in 1977, you can bet it has been fun to talk with some of the pivotal people from the saga. So, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of the first film, also known as "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope," here are some excerpts from various interviews with actors from the "Star Wars" saga over the years and how the experience has affected them.

On The Cultural Impact Of The Films
"For the most part, it's really a positive experience in that the most passionate fans are so young, and they need an optimistic message like those in the 'Star Wars' pictures. I'm really proud of being associated with something that was so uplifting and optimistic for young people." --Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)

"It's been a really wonderful opportunity to get a chance to enter into something that was already ingrained in the culture and to get expand on that. And, it's been so nice to be able to make kids smile, when they see you and say, 'Oh, its Amidala!' That's such a gift." --Natalie Portman (Queen/Senator Padme Amidala)

"The films bind generations together -- It grows on the younger people because the mom and dad talk about them. They develop a common bond in families." --Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)

On Becoming A Screen Hunk (And Telling Him That Your Wife Was In Love With Him)
"She'll get over it. Mine did." --Harrison Ford (Han Solo)

On Becoming An Action Figure
"My daughter likes them because she can stick pins in them when she's mad at me." --Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia)

"In the early days, they put out an action figure that made me look like the blond guy from 'Scooby Doo,' but now they're becoming a little more sophisticated. They're putting the cleft in my chin and making my hair brown instead of yellow." --Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)

On George Lucas
"I do greatly admire the man -- I mean, he's the guy who put me where I am today. He took me as an 11-year-old boy, gave the responsibility of a featured role in a huge film and then since then, has nurtured my talents by allowing me to take the lead role in the two Ewok television movies, then in "Labyrinth" and then he gave me the title role in 'Willow,' which was another leap of faith for him. I'm totally grateful to him." --Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)

"It's been great being a part of that whole experience -- all of us who had the experience working with George Lucas have been very fortunate. We're talking about a real legacy." --Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian)

On Fan Conventions
"The first time I went to a convention I went, 'How pathetic,' seeing all these people dressing up in silly costumes. Then I thought, "Well, wait a minute -- this is exactly what I do for a job! I better shut up!" --Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)

"In 1982, I met a young kid with his dad, and recently that young kid came to a convention. Here he had grown up and had become an animator because of the 'Star Wars' movies. It's extraordinary how many people have caught on to George Lucas' dream, and many of those youngsters are now working in animation studios or are directors or film cameramen. It's done an awful lot of good." --Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett)

On Favorite 'Star Wars' Collectibles
"It was the shampoo, where you could twist off my head and pour liquid out of my neck. 'Lather up with Leia and you'll feel like a princess yourself.' I don't think they make it anymore, but that was my favorite." --Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia)