Star Wars actor heading to Geek Fest in Gander

An actor who's appeared on screen and in voice-over roles for one of the most successful movie franchises of all time is in Gander this weekend to meet science fictionfans from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Christian Simpson considers himself lucky to have been involved in the Star Wars movies, which have grossed hundreds of millions over four decades and captured the hearts of fans the worldover.

He's also excited to attend Gander Geek Fest, being held at the SteeleCommunityCentreJuly 13-15.

"This is, I think, my third time to Newfoundland and I love it there," Simpson said. "The people are so great, so welcoming."

At the festival Simpson will be signing autographs on memorabilia and photographs from the movies.

He will also be sitting on a Q&A panel Saturday answering questionsStar Warsfans might have about the series or questions revolving around any of his other activities.

Star Wars 'unreal experience'

Simpson started doing work with the franchise during Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace acting as Lieutenant Gavin Sykeswho played a critical part in assisting Anakin Skywalker in taking down the droid army, starting the young Jedidown his journey to the dark side.

"So apologies to all the younglings that were killed," Simpson said in reference to the final instalment of the prequel trilogy where Skywalker becomes Darth Vader.

"It's and unreal experience and you have to take yourself away from being a fan and keep that locked away inside," Simpson said.

"Just show up and be a professional and just occasionally you pinch yourself and it's real."

Since playing his first role in a Star Wars movie, Simpson has been a part of three other films in the franchise performing various roles such as standing in for Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) or voicing characters in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

"I was a huge fan and still am and was really lucky to get some roles in front of the camera, behind the camera and even behind a microphone," Simpson said.

From the U.K. to L.A.

Simpson, who's from Britain originally, now resides in Los Angeles where he works as awriter, composer and YouTube content creator.

His writing includes a science fiction novel titledThe Chrononaut, a novel about a time traveller, and contributions to the official StarWars.com that include his personal experiences on set.

• YouTube: Perifractic's Retro Recipes

Simpson's YouTubechannel focuses on restoring vintage computers and gaming consoles called Perifractic's Retro Recipes.

He recently released an album under his song writing name, C.J. Simpson, which is an instrumental triple album anthology titled Insta: Mental.

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