Hollywood star Hayden Christensen made a rare public appearance alongside his daughter, Briar Rose, at a Chicago Cubs home game on Friday. The 44-year-old actor, widely known for portraying Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, shared a heartwarming father-daughter moment as the duo sang the iconic song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th-inning stretch.
An Unplanned Flyover During a Sweet Performance
The special performance was briefly interrupted by a fighter jet flyover, releasing blue smoke over the stadium. Despite the commotion, Hayden and ten-year-old Briar Rose soldiered on, continuing to sing and delighting the crowd with their adorableness. The MLB took to Instagram to share a video of the moment, humorously captioning it with a nod to Hayden’s memorable character: “Gives ‘I couldn’t find a speeder that I really liked’ a whole new meaning.”
This rare sighting gave fans a glimpse of Hayden’s life off-screen. Hayden shares Briar Rose with his ex-partner Rachel Bilson, who is best known for her role in The O.C.. Briar is often compared to her mom, looking like her mini-me in many ways. Despite ending their decade-long romance in 2017, Hayden and Rachel have maintained an amicable relationship.
Hayden’s Hollywood Journey and Connection to Star Wars
Although Hayden generally stays out of the limelight, his career and contributions to the Star Wars saga continue to garner widespread appreciation. Fans may know him not only from his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogy—Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005)—but also for reprising the role in the Disney+ series, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka.
Earlier this year, Hayden celebrated his co-star Ewan McGregor at McGregor’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. During the emotional moment, Hayden reminisced about meeting Ewan on the set of Attack of the Clones, describing their friendship as one of the most special connections in his life.
Enduring Legacy of the Star Wars Prequels
While Hayden’s initial performance as Anakin drew criticism from some fans, the actor has noted the “bumpy” relationship with the franchise over the years. However, his dedication to the role and the series has made him a fan favorite, often receiving standing ovations at conventions. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “It’s been a remarkable experience… The journey that I’ve been on with Star Wars over the last 20-plus years—it’s been a wild ride.”
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