LDS Living article discusses the legend of Yoda being based on Spencer W. Kimball, states they are "passably similar in appearance and mannerism."

Date
Oct 19, 2021
Type
Website
Source
LDS Living
LDS
Hearsay
Secondary
Journalism
Reference

"Was Yoda modeled after President Kimball? (and 3 true Star Wars connections to Latter-day Saints)," LDS Living, October 19, 2021, accessed January 18, 2023

Scribe/Publisher
LDS Living
People
Spencer W. Kimball, Albert Einstein, LDS Living, George Lucas
Audience
Internet Public
Transcription

Any discussion of Latter-day Saint connections in Star Wars has to begin with the old legend that Yoda was modeled after Latter-day Saint prophet Spencer W. Kimball, who was passably similar in appearance and mannerism. Though the comparison likely began as a joke, the speculation gained traction in Latter-day Saint circles over the years. However, the hypothesis has been flatly denied by people who worked on the film—the true inspiration for Yoda was Albert Einstein. It's also widely documented that Lucas drew from several philosophies and religious traditions while making the films, including Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Manichaeism, and Stoicism.

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