Returning with the “Healthcare Hero of the Week” segment, Jimmy Kimmel has surprised yet another one of his guests — with the help of Luke Skywalker himself: Mark Hamill.
On Thursday night’s virtual, social-distancing episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 52-year-old TV host honoured a front-line health-care worker who has been conducting coronavirus tests by inviting her onto the show.
Thanks to the power of the internet and video calling technology, Kimmel was able to connect Hamill, 68, with San Diego nurse Chloe Ducose — who had touched upon her love for Star Wars earlier on.
Upon being asked how many times she’s seen the beloved sci-fi films, Ducose smiled and responded: “A lot … let’s just put it that way.”
“More than 10?” queried Kimmel.
“Yes,” Ducose admitted with a laugh.
“I thought it might be fun to introduce you to somebody … who would like to thank you for all the work you’re doing,” said Kimmel, as John Williams‘ iconic Star Wars theme began playing and a fully cloaked Hamill appeared on the call.
“What the heck?” said a wide-eyed Ducose as the veteran actor pulled down his Jedi-like hood.
“Oh my God,” she said. “Hi! Nice to meet you.”
“Chloe, the Force is strong with you,” said Hamill. “I applaud you for having seen the Star Wars movies more than I have,” he joked.
“I’ve been reading about all you’ve done,” the actor continued as Ducose wiped away tears. “Six years a nurse, teaching at night, you’re in the (coronavirus testing) tents, it’s so great.
“To me, I’m a pretend hero — you’re the real-life hero. So thank you for your service.”
“Chloe, are you hallucinating now?” joked Kimmel.
“I’m having palpitations,” she replied while trying to collect herself.
Kimmel then gifted Ducose a US$10,000 credit for PayPal before promising her that her department co-workers would also be getting some vouchers from the online payment system.
In addition, Hamill promised that he would send her a signed replica of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber.
“Thank you for your support, thank you for being a fan. To me, Star Wars fans are more than just fans, they’re more like family, so thank you for that. May the Force be with you.”
Before surprising her with the legendary Jedi knight, Kimmel commended Ducose for her efforts fighting COVID-19 in the San Diego heat.
To ease the stress of her patients being swab tested, Ducose said she likes to tell them she’s just “picking boogers.”.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
In situations where you can’t keep a safe distance from others, public health officials recommend the use of a non-medical face mask or covering to prevent spreading the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.
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