Peter Mayhew, the 74-year-old actor who has played Chewbacca since the original Star Wars in 1977, has passed away.
Following the news of his passing, tributes to the beloved English actor began pouring in from all corners of the internet.
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In addition to fans, former Star Wars co-stars also paid tribute to the late actor.
“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.
“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,” tweeted The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson.
“Star Wars wouldn’t have been the same without Peter Mayhew as the loyal and lovable Chewbacca, and he will always be a favourite for generations of kids & kids at heart. Rest easy, Peter,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Aside from Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story, Mayhew appeared as Chewbacca in all three of the original films — Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Last Jedi — and 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Following Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mayhew retired from the role of Chewbacca due to health issues.
Mayhew, who was close to 7’3″ tall, begin his career when he was cast as a minotaur in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.
In addition to being an actor, Mayhew wrote two children’s books about acceptance: Growing Up Giant and My Favorite Giant.
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