Whatever Happened to Aubree Miller from Star Wars - Caravan of Courage?

Databank Entry: Cindel Towani & The Ewok Adventures

While Star Wars is an irrefutable titan of cinema, film spin-offs like "Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure" (1984) have their own stories to tell. These made-for-television films occupy a unique space in the lore. Set on the forest moon of Endor between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, their status in the current canon is that of "Legends." 

However, they represent one of the earliest attempts to expand the Star Wars galaxy on screen, offering a ground-level view of a world that would soon host the final battle against the Empire.

The story begins with the Towani family - parents Catarine and Jeremitt, and their children Mace and Cindel - stranded after their starcruiser crashes. Separated from their parents, the children must survive in the alien wilderness, a narrative that grounds the high-fantasy of Star Wars in a relatable family survival story.

One of the most compelling aspects of this particular Ewok-centric venture is the child actor who stole the show: Aubree Miller, playing the role of Cindel Towani.

Born on February 15, 1979, Miller was just five years old when she landed the role that would make her a part of the Star Wars universe. Acting opposite Warwick Davis, who reprised his role as Wicket the Ewok, Miller's performance captivated a specific segment of the Star Wars fanbase.

Her innocent and believable bond with Wicket became the emotional core of the film. Wicket, a curious and brave scout from Bright Tree Village, is fleshed out far beyond his appearance in Return of the Jedi, showcasing the complex tribal society of the Ewoks and their connection to the natural world of Endor, including their fear of native predators like the monstrous Gorax.

After the success of "Caravan of Courage," Miller reprised her role in the darker and more action-oriented sequel, "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor" (1985). In a shockingly grim opening, Cindel's entire family is killed by Sanyassan Marauders, a band of vicious reptilian off-worlders who had also crashed on Endor years prior. 

Now an orphan, Cindel, along with Wicket, must join forces with Noa Briqualon, a grumpy human hermit played by Wilford Brimley, to defeat the marauders. The film received a mixed response but has since earned a cult following. 

However, despite the potential for a super sweet Hollywood career trajectory, Miller largely stepped back from acting. She appeared in a handful of TV roles, but her screen career ended as quickly as it began. 

What followed for Miller is a life that many would call 'normal,' a departure from the celebrity lifestyle one might expect from a Star Wars alum. She went on to pursue an education, attending California State University, Fullerton, and has built a private life for herself away from the public eye. 

Her social media presence is minimal. 

Details are scarce, but it appears Miller chose a path that veers more toward personal satisfaction rather than public recognition. 

Aubree Miller as an adult

Miller's decision to step away from acting has lent her an air of enigma. In a world where every action of celebrities is documented and dissected, the absence of information feeds curiosity. 

This scarcity has turned her into a somewhat mythic figure among niche Star Wars communities who wonder what could have been had she pursued a different path. 

However, in recent years, she has graciously reconnected with the fanbase, making appearances at conventions like Star Wars Celebration, sharing fond memories of her time on set, and proving that the Force remains with her.

Interestingly, the relative obscurity surrounding Miller has not led to a decline in interest in "Caravan of Courage" or its sequel, The Battle for Endor. 

On the contrary, they have seen something of a renaissance. The films are now available on Disney+, and a new generation of fans is discovering them for the first time. Miller's portrayal of Cindel Towani continues to captivate young audiences, much like it did in the 1980s, serving as a timeless entry point into the wider, wondrous galaxy of Star Wars.

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