TTO – Peter Mayhew, the towering actor who brought the legendary Wookiee Chewbacca to life in Star Wars, has passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy in cinematic history.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on his official Twitter account on May 3, Mayhew’s family confirmed that he died peacefully on the evening of April 30 at his home in North Texas, surrounded by loved ones. According to a family representative, the cause of death was a heart attack, ABC News reported.
News of Peter Mayhew’s passing sent waves of sorrow across the globe, as Star Wars cast members and fans alike mourned the loss of a man who embodied one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle soul, a man of great dignity and noble spirit,” Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, shared with Variety. “He infused Chewbacca with his own warmth, humor, and humanity. We were partners on screen and friends in life for more than 30 years, and I loved him deeply. Peter poured his heart into the character and brought immeasurable joy to generations of Star Wars fans.”
Joonas Suotamo, who took over the role of Chewbacca after Mayhew’s retirement, also paid tribute to the late actor. “The warmth and generosity Peter showed me when I joined The Force Awakens meant everything,” he recalled. “The entire Star Wars universe is grieving this tremendous loss.”
Though Chewbacca never spoke a single word, communicating only through iconic growls, his unwavering loyalty and friendship—especially alongside Han Solo—made him one of the most cherished characters in the Star Wars saga.
Peter Mayhew’s journey to fame was anything but ordinary. Standing over 2.2 meters tall, he was discovered by producer Charles H. Schneer while working at a London hospital. He made his film debut in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) before landing the role that would define his life a year later. Originally offered to bodybuilder David Prowse—who instead chose to play Darth Vader—the role of Chewbacca proved to be a perfect fit for Mayhew.
Over the decades, he reprised the role in numerous Star Wars films, including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, and even The Star Wars Holiday Special. Outside the galaxy far, far away, Mayhew appeared sparingly in other films such as Dark Towers and The Terror, as well as television shows like The Muppet Show, Donny & Marie, and Glee.
Beyond acting, Mayhew was also an author, writing My Favorite Giant and Growing Up Giant, both inspired by his life and his connection to Chewbacca. He was a devoted philanthropist as well, founding the Peter Mayhew Foundation to support charitable causes including Wounded Warriors and Make-A-Wish.
Peter Mayhew’s death is not only a personal loss to his family but a profound moment of mourning for the global Star Wars community. Chewbacca—a character without dialogue yet rich in emotion—became a symbol of loyalty, courage, and kindness. Through his physical presence and heartfelt performance, Mayhew gave soul to a mythical creature and etched himself into the hearts of millions.
Though the man behind the mask has departed, Chewbacca’s roar—and the image of Han Solo’s faithful companion—will echo forever in the galaxy of cinema