George Lucas is engaged.
The Stars Wars creator and director is formally tied to his long term girlfriend, Dreamworks Animation chairman Mellody Hobson, in what will be a first marriage for Hobson, 43, and the second for Lucas, 68.
The Huffington Post reports that Hobson’s other business interests are acting head of the $ 3 billion Chicago-based investment management firm Ariel Investments Llc. and chairman of Ariel Mutual Funds, and is a regular financial contributor on Good Morning America .
Lucas, who sold his (soley owned) company Lucasfilm Ltd to Disney last October and then promptly donated the $4.05 billion he received to an education foundation, said at the time:
“As I start a new chapter in my life, it is gratifying that I have the opportunity to devote more time and resources to philanthropy.”
In a five part video series , Lucas explained his reasons for selling his iconic company, saying:
“I’m doing this so that the films will have a longer life, so that more fans and people can enjoy them in the future. It’s a very big universe I’ve created and there’s a lot of stories in there.”
He added :
“I get to be a fan now . . . and I sort of look forward to it. It’s a lot more fun.”
The next Star Wars film is expected in 2015, and screenwriter Michael Arndt ( Toy Story 3 , Oblivion , Little Miss Sunshine ) has been tapped for the screenplay, notes Rolling Stone .
As for the clearly happy couple, who have dated since 2006, as yet there is no word on when they’ll announce a date.
