Peter Mayhew, Beloved Actor Behind Chewbacca, Dead at 74
Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Movies News Peter Mayhew
Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca, died Tuesday evening in his home in North Texas, his family announced Thursday. He was 74 years old.
Mayhew was born in London in 1944. At the age of 34, the 7-foot, 3-inch actor relocated to the fictional world of Kashyyk to portray a Wookiee named Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy. He reprised the role in Revenge of the Sith, and again in 2015’s The Force Awakens, in which he shared the suit alongside alongside Joonas Suotamo.
“Chewie transformed me,” Mayhew once said of his iconic character. “The attitude was different. The walk was different. Do the scenes, come back, take the mask off, Peter was back.”
In addition to co-piloting the Millennium Falcon, Mayhew also launched the Peter Mayhew Foundation, which continues to provide funds for the 501st Legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish and more. The actor’s family has asked that fans, in lieu of sending gifts or flowers, instead lend their support to the foundation here.
Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and three children.
See a few tributes from Mayhew’s family, friends and fans below.
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
“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.
More: https://t.co/iGfk9XRzKapic.twitter.com/5edrPrEuRS
— Star Wars (@starwars) 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#StarWarspic.twitter.com/0DfCo59zpG
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) May 3, 2019
R.I.P pic.twitter.com/FWRgaOS0Tf
— Joonas Suotamo (@JoonasSuotamo) May 2, 2019
— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) May 3, 2019
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
We’ve lost a friend and #StarWars legend. The mighty #PeterMayhew brought such warmth, humour and humility to the beloved character of #Chewbacca. His personal wit and charm will be missed by Star Wars fans across the galaxy too. #RIPPeterMayhewpic.twitter.com/dm6Sd6oNPS
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) May 3, 2019
May the Force Be with You, #PeterMayhew! As the King of the Cinematic Sidekicks, your performance helped make my childhood fun! Thank you for bringing Chewbacca to life and for always waving the flag for fandom! We may have let the Wookie win, but YOU won our hearts, sir! pic.twitter.com/B6cpKTKyv2
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) May 3, 2019
Text with my brother. The only time I ever saw Peter Mayhew in the flesh was before the premiere of ‘The Force Awakens and I remembered him coming onstage, but not the sweet moment coming off. pic.twitter.com/S0IZmSSgt0
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) May 3, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/psEok9fzcq
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 3, 2019
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), 1980. RIP Peter and Carrie. pic.twitter.com/23YiLxpC6F
— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) May 3, 2019