British-American Hollywood actor Peter Mayhew is best known for his portrayal of Chewbacca in the “star wars” saga. According to his official Twitter profile, his family has sadly reported his passing at the age of 74.

The tweet read that Peter Mayhew’s family regretted to share the news that he had died on April 30 in his North Texas home and the announcement was made on Thursday this week with “deep love and sadness.” The cause of this death was not reported by the family.

Peter Mayhew and Chewbacca

Peter Mayhew was born in London, England, in 1944 and would have celebrated his 75th birthday on May 19.

Many “Star Wars” fans fell in love with his hairy character, Chewbacca, from the very start of the Film saga. As reported by NBC News, while no one could understand a “word” Mayhew roared, the endearing Chewbacca was the inseparable companion of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and was the co-pilot of their trusty ship, the Millennium Falcon.

Even though we only heard the actor through a series of indecipherable howling sounds, everyone somehow knew was Chewbacca meant and he became one of the most charismatic characters in the film series, originally devised by George Lucas.

The BBC notes that George Lucas had always wanted a tall actor for the role of Chewbacca and at first picked David Prowse to play the role, who measured in at 6 ft 6 in. However, it turned out Prowse was more interested in playing Darth Vader. Lucas then chose Mayhew instead, purely for his height of 7 ft. 2 in, and, of course, this turned out to be the perfect choice.

Mayhew played the role of Chewbacca in the three original science fiction films – “Star Wars” (1977), which was later renamed “Episode IV – A New Hope.” He also appeared in the furry suit in “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980 and “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. Peter also reprised the role in “Revenge of the Sith” in 2005 and also “The Force Awakens.”

Mobility problems for the 'Star Wars' actor

According to relatives of Mayhew, the actor suffered mobility problems and strived tirelessly to overcome them to enable him to once again play the role of Chewbacca.

Peter reportedly had an operation on his spine in 2018 in order to improve his mobility.

His relatives said that for Peter, his “Star Wars” family meant more to him than just playing a character in a film. The actor toured to many fan meetings and conferences over the years all over the world, making him one of the most beloved characters from the films.

Mayhew himself said in 2015 how very special it had been for him to be able to reunite with Harrison Ford on the set of “Episode VII – The Awakening of Strength” and the pair was great friends.

In an interview at the time with Empire Magazine, Mayhew described a moment when he was relaxing in his trailer when there was a knock at the door. He then heard Ford’s booming tones, asking, “Where is that walking carpet?” Ford then welcomed him back to the saga with a great big hug.

Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) was in mourning on Thursday, saying Mayhew was the “kindest of giants,” and that Peter was a great man with an even greater heart.

Hamill wrote on Twitter that he never stopped making him smile and was a loyal friend. He is grateful for his memories of Mayhew and he Hamill said he felt he was a better man, simply for knowing him.

Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company also sent the company’s regrets for the loss of their beloved [VIDEO] “friendly giant” who had so beautifully interpreted Chewbacca, another friendly giant.

Readers can look back on some of Chewbacca's best moments below.
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