Peter Mayhew, ‘Star Wars’ Actor Who Played Chewbacca, Dead at 74
Written by SOURCE on May 2, 2019
Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the original 1977 Star Wars film has passed away at the age of 74.
The English-American actor died in his his North Texas home on April 30. Mayhew’s family announced the actor’s death on social media.
Mayhew played the iconic character of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars movie, 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, 1983’s Return of the Jedi, 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, and 2015’s The Force Awakens. Mayhew also provided consulting services on 2017’s The Last Jedi.
“He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth. But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film,” Mayhew’s family said in a statement. “He is survived by his wife Angie and three children. His kindness, generosity and care will live on in the Peter Mayhew Foundation with Angie taking the helm as his voice.”
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
