Mark Hamill Pays Touching Tribute To Kobe Bryant. It may seem like the two come from completely different worlds, but Mark Hamill shared an emotional tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, reflecting on the brief time they met during The Oscars in 2018.
In 2018, Bryant had been nominated for Best Animated Short for his short film, Dear Basketball, that showcased his love for the game he spent a lifetime playing, and later went on to coach his daughter, Gianna, who was equally as passionate about basketball.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant tragically lost their lives, along with 7 others, in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles on Sunday, January 26, 2020. The world over has been mourning this tragic and sudden loss, included other celebrities who shared their favorite moments with Kobe through various points in his life.
One such celebrity was Star Wars Actor, Mark Hamill. Hamill shared his story via Twitter:
“Kobe won the Best Animated Short [Academy Award] for writing & narrating [Dear Basketball] (music by [John Williams]. It was his heartfelt love-letter to the game that made him a legend & a superstar. It was an honor to present him his much-deserved Oscar,” Hamill shared.
The Academy also paid tribute via Instagram to the late athlete with a heartfelt post about his tenacity and ability to beat expectations with his hard work both on the court and off.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Bryant Family during this difficult time. The world mourns with you, and we send you our love and support.
You can watch the moment Mark, along with Oscar Issac, Kelly Marie Tran, and BB-8, announce Kobe Bryant’s Win for Best Animated Short at the 2018 Academy Awards below:
