TTO – Peter Mayhew, the actor famous for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars series, has passed away at the age of 74.
“The Peter Mayhew family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Peter. He passed away on the evening of April 30th surrounded by his family at his home in North Texas,” the actor’s family announced on his Twitter account on May 3rd.
A family representative said he died of a heart attack, ABC News reported.
The Star Wars crew and fans worldwide have expressed their grief upon hearing of Peter Mayhew’s death.
“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessing great dignity and a noble character. He brought all aspects of his personality, along with his wit and charm, to Chewbacca.
We were partners on screen and friends in life for over 30 years, and I loved him very much. Peter poured his soul into the character and brought great joy to Star Wars audiences,” shared Harrison Ford, the actor who played Han Solo in Star Wars, with Variety.
Joonas Suotamo, Peter’s successor as Chewbacca after his retirement, recalled: “The warm welcome Peter gave me when I joined Force Awakens meant a great deal to me. The entire Star Wars universe is deeply saddened by this terrible loss.”
Although Chewbacca doesn’t speak in Star Wars and only communicates through growls, his time fighting alongside his “comrade” Han Solo has made him one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Peter Mayhew was discovered by producer Charles H. Schneer while working at a London hospital and began his acting career with the 1977 film Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, according to Variety.
A year later, he was cast as Chewbacca and has since been associated with the character in Star Wars films such as The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, and The Star Wars Holiday Special.
He also wrote two books, My Favorite Giant and Growing Up Giant, both related to the character Chewbacca.
Standing over 2.2 meters tall, Peter Mayhew was an ideal choice for the role of Chewbacca after bodybuilder David Prowse declined the role to play Darth Vader.
Besides Chewbacca, Peter Mayhew rarely played other roles. Two of the few films he appeared in were Dark Towers and The Terror.
Peter Mayhew also worked in television with guest appearances in Donny & Marie, The Muppet Show, and the popular musical series Glee.
He also founded the Peter Mayhew Foundation to help those in need and support charitable organizations such as Wounded Warriors and Make-a-Wish.
The passing of Peter Mayhew is not only a loss for his family but also a profound sorrow for the entire Star Wars fan community worldwide. Chewbacca – a character without words, yet embodying friendship, loyalty, and kindness – has become an irreplaceable icon, much like the artist behind the costume. Peter Mayhew dedicated his life to breathing life into a mythical creature, bringing joy, warmth, and unforgettable memories to generations of viewers. Although he has passed away, Chewbacca’s distinctive roar and the image of Han Solo’s loyal companion will forever resonate in the hearts of movie lovers, an immortal part of the Star Wars galaxy.
