Peter Mayhew, the 7-foot-2-inch tall actor who portrayed Chewbacca in five “Star Wars” films, has died. He was 74.
Mayhew’s family posted the news of his death on his official 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,” the tweet read.
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
Mayhew originated the role of Chewbacca, a Wookiee warrior and best friend to Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, in five “Star Wars” films: the original trilogy, “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” and “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.”
He was replaced by Finnish actor Joonas Suoatamo in last year’s “Star Wars Episode XIII: The Last Jedi,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” and the upcoming “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” Mayhew remained a consultant on the two most recently released films.
Mayhew was born in Surrey, England and died in Boyd, Texas. He is survived by his wife Angie and three children.
Mayhew’s family and family will hold a memorial service for the actor on June 29. A memorial service for fans is planned in December at EmpireCon. The “Star Wars”-themed convention is will take place in Los Angeles from December 6-8, 2019.
More to come…
