Peter Mayhew, the 7-foot-3 actor who played Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” movies, has died at 74.
In a tweet late Thursday, his family said Mayhew had died April 30, “with his family by his side in his North Texas home.”
The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
A cause of death was not given. Mayhew had undergone spinal surgery last July to improve his mobility.
Over the years, Mayhew became a fan favorite playing Han Solo’s Wookiee sidekick, even though most people never knew what he looked — or sounded — like in real life. Covered in a suit of fur, Mayhew made his expressive eyes and mannerisms do the acting for him.
“He was the gentlest of giants — A big man with an even bigger heart,” said “Star Wars” co-star Mark Hamill, in a tweet Thursday. “I’m a better man for just having known him.”
He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 2, 2019
Mayhew was active on Twitter, and made regular appearances at fan festivals. “For more than 30 years, Peter traveled all over the world spending time with his fans and friends,” his family said in a statement, noting he was active with non-profit organizations and his own Peter Mayhew Foundation for individuals and families in crisis situations.
A private memorial service will be held in June, and his family said there will be a public memorial in Los Angeles in December, close to the release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” from Walt Disney Co.’s DIS, -1.64% Lucasfilm, the latest installment of the “Star Wars” saga that began in 1977.
Mahyew played Chewbacca in five “Star Wars” movies, and shared the role in 2015’s “The Force Awakens” with Joonas Suotamo. Mayhew is not in the cast of the upcoming “The Rise of Skywalker,” according to IMDB.
While Chewbacca’s home planet was called Kashyyyk, in his final tweet on April 22, Mayhew had a message for another planet, wishing everyone a “Happy Earth Day.”
Happy Earth Day. Wonderful day outside. Wild flowers in bloom. Take some time to enjoy it. #EarthDay2019 pic.twitter.com/W55qCIMt1u
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) April 22, 2019
