Remember in my last article on Jack Bodart I mentioned that St Maarten is home to some very exceptional people? Well, I’m about to tell you about another one :)Do you want something truly unique on your next visit to St Maarten? An attraction that’s currently ranked at number 1 on tripadvisor for things to do in Philipsburg? An attraction that has been awarded the certificate of excellence 2014 again!Then a MUST do is the “Yoda guy” in Philipsburg… if you’re a lover of Star Wars, this is your paradise!
It’s a tiny place in Philipsburg, but impossible to miss as it’s boasting big red letters on the building saying “The Yoda Guy”… Run by Nick Maley, known around the world as “That Yoda Guy” because of his involvement in the creation of… you guessed it, Yoda, for Star Wars; he’s an international artist, movie make-up wizard and EMMY nominee. Don’t know who Nick is? Google his name… He made over 50 movies, including SUPERMAN, HIGHLANDER, KRULL & LIFEFORCE, worked with Hollywood legends like Sean Connery, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Harrison Ford, (you will see them all in the exhibit), was featured in CINEMAX and HBO specials, won a place in THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS and did I mention he was nominated for an EMMY?
Millions of people pass thru this place each year, it’s the only place in the world where you can actually visit and chat with a Star Wars veteran, without having to wait in a crazy line at a convention. Nick started this gallery and movie museum, because he loves his work, and loves sharing it with the world and all the proceeds go to his charity called “Follow your star foundation” which encourages kids to follow their dreams. It’s totally non profit.When you visit, he even dedicates his artwork and movie memorabilia for you, and he’s sure to share some insights into the wonder filled world of movie making.[layout][half]
[/half][half is_last="true"]What all can you find inside? Well it’s way too much to mention, but just a tip of the iceberg (or should I say luscious tropical mountain?): There are displays that span six decades of movie making, relics from THE TERMINATOR, MEN IN BLACK and even THE MALTISE FALCAN. There's also an incredible collection of lifecasts, the actual faces of Hollywood stars, signed movie memorabilia, posters, antique STAR WARS comics, behind the scene photos and storyboards… unique autographed slices of STAR WARS history that become a legacy to pass on through the family. [/half][/layout]When Nick is there he autographs for you and takes pictures with you! If you want to be sure that he’s there when you visit, just send their facebook page a message and they will let you know…
They are open from 9:30 am – 5pm Mondays to Fridays, and Nick is usually there between 10:30 – 4pm, but just reach out to them before visiting and you won’t be disappointed to meet this legend!Visit the Yoda Guy's TripAdvisor Page here and go see the Yoda/Star Wars/Hollywood Exhibit!!!Written by rockstar "Jennefer Pers".
