Peter Mayhew has died and the Chewbacca actor leaves a massive hole
Actor Peter Mayhew has passed away peacefully at the age of 74. At seven foot three, he was an imposing figure, particularly when clothed in the shaggy costume of the character for which he was best known, the Wookiee Chewbacca, in the original Star Wars trilogy, and later in The Force Awakens,
The sad news of his passing was broken via Peter’s own Twitter account.
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
There were many moving tributes online, including this one from Star Wars co-star, Mark Hamill.
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
Hollywood Reporter writer, Ryan Parker, shared reactions from friends and colleagues from the Star Wars universe.
Harrison Ford on the death of his friend, Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew: pic.twitter.com/DvVZYICwZ9
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) May 3, 2019
George Lucas on the passing of Chewbacca actor, Peter Mayhew: pic.twitter.com/61a0MS9Yvc
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) May 3, 2019
Others tweeted their tributes personally.
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
We will always remember you Peter! Thanks for your friendship. #RIPPeterMayhew https://t.co/7d2NskCgSW
— Ian McDiarmid (@IanMcDiarmid_) May 3, 2019
Some well-known fans added their sadness and condolences.
I am so very sorry to hear this. My sympathies and love to the family. https://t.co/5WvidAXt4O
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) May 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/simonpegg/status/1124095251659067392
A sad day for millions of fans. https://t.co/qRfFWOd4ck
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 2, 2019
Peter Mayhew created one of the greatest film characters of all time. Chewbacca was funny, courageous, and caring. He did it all without the benefit of speech, just that vocal growly cry that 1 in 100 fans can do real well when they're drunk. He was always really nice to me.#RIP
— alan tudyk (@AlanTudyk) May 3, 2019
In response to a quote from Harrison Ford, Peter’s family, who are operating his Twitter account as a memorial, posted this apt reaction.
He knew. https://t.co/sbixEmncx1
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 3, 2019
Although his real face was never seen in the Star Wars films, in portraying a character so devoted to his friends, it’s clear that his true heart was always on show.
Images courtesy of Disney and Lucasfilm
