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George Lucas-Mellody Hobson Reception: A Galaxy of Stars Turns Out for Bash

By Kyla Gardner | June 30, 2013 8:49am
 Filmmaker George Lucas and Chicagoan Mellody Hobson threw a wedding party at Promontory Point in Hyde Park Saturday, and the event was a star-studded affair.
George Lucas-Mellody Hobson Wedding Party
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HYDE PARK — George Lucas and Mellody Hobson's Chicago wedding reception had a guest list that included Darth Vader, two Daleys and a Kennedy.

Actor Hayden Christensen, who played a young Anakin Skywalker — who, spoiler alert, becomes Darth Vader — in two of the recent "Star Wars" films, brought girlfriend and actress Rachel Bilson as his plus-one. Actor Warwick Davis, best known for his work in "Willow," also attended the star-studded affair at Promontory Point in Hyde Park Saturday.

Celebs began streaming into the party about 7 p.m., passing about 150 onlookers as they rode in golf carts from a parking lot through a pedestrian tunnel to get to the lakefront location.

The greatest cheer from the crowd came for actor Robin Williams, who gave a "royal wave" from the back of his golf cart. Other celebs spotted were Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo, Oprah BFF Gayle King and "Today" show weatherman Al Roker.

Chicago notables attending the event were newly minted Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, former White House Social Secretary and  Johnson Publishing Company CEO Desiree Rogers, businessman Christopher Kennedy, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, former Mayor Richard M. Daley and his brother and Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bill Daley.

Also spotted were Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, radio host Tom Joyner and former NBA star and senator Bill Bradley.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel drove to the event directly from Lake Shore Drive, where barricades separating the Lake Front Trail had been removed. Emanuel left before the night's music guest — Prince — took the stage,  a police officer working security said.

Prince kicked off his set just before 10 p.m., diving into "1999." Lights flashed from inside the huge covered tent, which a dozen passersby could just barely see from across South Lake Shore Drive.

Prince played "Little Red Corvette," "Raspberry Beret," "Purple Rain," and "Nothing Compares 2 U." He covered The Jackson Five's "Dancing Machine," and Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done for Me Lately."

The legendary musician played for about 90 minutes before leaving for City Winery, where he appeared for a last-minute, sold-out show at midnight.

Many guests began leaving about 11:30 p.m.

Lucas and Hobson were married last weekend at Skywalker Ranch in California in front of a star-studded crowd. Hobson is president of Chicago-based Ariel Investments and chairman of the boards of Dream Works Animation and After School Matters.

Rumors had swirled about the nature of the construction at Promontory Point and Prince's performance before Saturday's event.