Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, the faithful Wookiee co-pilot of Han Solo in the original Star Wars and its sequels, has died.
The towering 7-foot-2-inch actor was 74. His family said he died April 30 at his Texas home, but they did not announce his death until May 2, 2019.
He recently appeared at Star Wars Celebration Chicago in April, and was set to appear at this weekend’s Dallas Fan Expo.
Mayhew reprised the role of Chewbacca, and passed it to a new generation in Joonas Suotamo, during 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens.
He also played Chewie briefly in 2005’s Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.
But Mayhew was more than just Chewbacca — he was a loving, and beloved, ambassador for Star Wars, charitable causes and humanity itself. The Wookiee roars, forevermore.
Some recent posts from Peter Mayhew:
Peter Mayhew’s Star Wars family reacts to his death:
https://twitter.com/ianmcdiarmid_/status/1124167020851994624
"We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew’s passing. Since 1976, Peter’s iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character’s success, and to the Star Wars saga itself."-Kathleen Kennedy.
— Star Wars (@starwars) May 3, 2019
More: https://t.co/iGfk9XRzKa pic.twitter.com/5edrPrEuRS
The @WaltDisneyCo mourns the loss of our beloved #chewbacca portrayer, #PeterMayhew. Peter was larger than life in so many ways…a gentle giant playing a gentle giant. Rest in peace.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 2, 2019
George Lucas on the passing of Peter Mayhew. @abc pic.twitter.com/P05qaVks5o
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) May 3, 2019
Harrison Ford on the death of his friend, Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew: pic.twitter.com/DvVZYICwZ9
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) May 3, 2019
Much more than Chewie to me…My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend…thanks for the great memories! #RIPPeterMayhew #StarWars pic.twitter.com/0DfCo59zpG
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) May 3, 2019
Dear World,#MayTheFourthBeWithYou. Paying respects to Peter Mayhew. His kindness and joy always illuminated our cherished Chewbacca. Thank you for sharing your light, Peter. Rest easy.
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) May 4, 2019
Love,
Lupita pic.twitter.com/IWkRSG9nih
RIP Peter Mayhew. To create a beloved character with warmth and humor is a testament to any actor’s spirit. To do it under a half ton of yak hair takes a true legend. ❤️❤️
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) May 3, 2019
All of us at Her Universe send our deepest condolences to the family of @TheWookieeRoars . Peter you will be sorely missed. https://t.co/Ng4jM4Ght7
— Her Universe (@HerUniverse) May 2, 2019
I’m honored to have known Peter Mayhew. I know our whole @starwars family is mourning, but I’m sure I speak for us all in saying THANK YOU… for everything. #Maytheforcebewithyou @TheWookieeRoars
— Matt Lanter (@MattLanter) May 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/pablohidalgo/status/1124098760206946309
Rest In Peace to the great Peter Mayhew, whose generous spirit and gentle demeanor will live on in my favorite Star Wars character, Chewbacca. https://t.co/LoDYlRrOoc
— Phil Szostak (@PhilSzostak) May 2, 2019
Sad, after my 3 days in the WiFi-free zone of the rain forest, to now find Peter has left us. No more, his Chewie hug. It was noted long ago that, of all we original masked players, only his eyes shone through. Watch A New Hope in his memory and see those big kind eyes once more.
— Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) May 5, 2019
