If we’ve learned anything today, it’s that heroes come in all forms. Anthony Kiedis is out there saving babies, and now we have John Boyega — lead in Star Wars: The Force Awakens — visiting sick kids and throwing surprise Star Wars-themed parties for them. What it amounts to is the welcoming notion that extreme celebrity does not result in a loss of humanity.
On Monday, Boyega visited the Demelza Hospice Care for Children, which cares for seriously ill children and young patients — up to the age of 19 — who need end of life care. It really is such a nice thing to see someone of Boyega’s rising stature give back to the community in such a selfless manner. These kids probably love Star Wars, and to see one of their heroes walk into their facility to greet and talk with them had to have made a lasting impression.
Boyega’s star is continuing to take off, with his work in Star Wars: Episode VIII on the way, as well as a lead role in the upcoming sequel to Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim. Still, even with all the great projects he’s attached to these days, is there anything more satisfying than pleasing some young fans fighting for their lives? I doubt it.