Peter Mayhew, the actor famed for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, has passed away at the age of 74-years-old.
Mayhew has starred as Chewbacca, the companion of Harrison Ford’s Hal Solo, since the original Star Wars movie in 1977 — Star Wars: A New Hope.
Mayhew, who was born in the United Kingdom in 1944, passed away in his North Texas home with his family by his side on the evening of Tuesday, April 30.
The English-American actor last portrayed Chewbacca in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, before going on to serve as a “Chewbacca consultant” on the two most recent Star Wars films: Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo:A Star Wars Story.
In addition to the original Star Wars, Mayhew has appeared in films such as Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Terror, and Yesterday Was a Lie.
Following news of his passing, tributes from fans and friends alike began to pour in.
“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,” tweeted Mark Hamill, who stars as Luke Skywalker.
Similarly, Harrison Ford — who played Chewbacca companion Han Solo — told The Hollywood Reporter that Mayhew “was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character.”
The thoughts and prayers of our entire staff are with Mayhew’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.
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