Luke Skywalker's best friend growing up on Tatooine , Biggs Darklighter honed his piloting skills racing his T-16 skyhopper through Beggar's Canyon. Darklighter was able to live out Luke's long-held dream of joining the Academy. Skywalker, however, had to stay behind on his uncle's moisture farm. When Biggs returned to Tatooine, he was a changed man. He opened Luke's eyes to the true nature of the Empire, and confided in Luke that he had defected from the Empire to join the Rebel Alliance.
Biggs and Luke were reunited a short time later on the fourth moon of Yavin. Together they flew in Red Squadron as they attacked the Death Star approaching the Rebel base. Although Luke was ultimately successful in destroying the Imperial battle station, Biggs was killed when his starfighter was shot to pieces by Darth Vader.
Biggs Darklighter's farewell to Luke Skywalker was filmed for A New Hope, but was left out of the final movie. His reunion with Luke at the Rebel base was reinserted into the film as part of the Star Wars Special Edition.