Chewbacca actor in 'Star Wars,' Peter Mayhew dies at 74
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Showbiz News
Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca in the 'Star Wars' franchise died on April 30.
Peter Mayhew, 74, died on April 30 with his family by his side in his home in Texas.
The Hollywood icon played the legendary Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, episode 3 of the prequels and the New Trilogy, according to a statement from his family.
"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.
-- Star Wars (@starwars) May 3, 2019
More: https://t.co/iGfk9XRzKa pic.twitter.com/5edrPrEuRS
After news of Mayhew's death broke, co-stars and the crew of the Star Wars franchise paid tribute to the man who inhabited the Wookie suit dating back to the '70s.
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, said that Mayhew was “the gentlest of giants.”
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
Billy Dee Williams who played alongside Mayhew as Lando Calrissian also said his sentiments
Much more than Chewie to me...My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend…thanks for the great memories! #RIPPeterMayhew #StarWars pic.twitter.com/0DfCo59zpG
-- Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) May 3, 2019
Harrison Ford expressed his condolences via The Hollywood Reporter.
It read: “Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him.”
Meanwhile, George Lucas who directed and produced the original trilogy said of Mayhew's passing:
"Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature…and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend and I'm saddened by his passing."
Hollywood stars also reacted to the sad news.
-- Pegg News (@simonpegg) May 2, 2019
Sad to hear of Peter Mayhew's passing. So long, Chewie, may the force be with you.
-- Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 2, 2019
💔I am so sorry to hear about Peter. We had so many fun and memorable tweets back and forth over the years plus seeing each other at a convention here and there. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed! 😢 https://t.co/R3lAEvkQJc
-- William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 2, 2019
A private memorial service for friends and family will be held on June 29. It was also reported that in early December, there will be a memorial for fans at EmpireConLA.
