Peter Mayhew is widely known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars series. He has played this famous role in five Star Wars films. He first played Chewbacca in 1977s Star Wars. The legendary actor breathed his last at his home in North Texas on April 30. The English-American passed away at the age of 74. Lucasfilm’s President has shared an emotional post on the death of the Star Wars actor. Nadja Regin Dies at 87: The Bond Girl of ‘From Russia With Love’ and ‘Goldfinger’ Passes Away.
Before George Lucas cast Peter Mayhem in the 1977 Star Wars film, the latter worked as a hospital orderly. Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm President tweeted, “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.” Nobody can ever forget Chewie and the way he expressed himself. Mark Hamill tweeted, “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”. Luke Perry Passes Away; Lili Reinhart Pens Down an Emotional Message For Her Riverdale Co-Star.
Tweet posted on Star Wars handle
"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.
More: https://t.co/iGfk9XRzKa pic.twitter.com/5edrPrEuRS
— Star Wars (@starwars) May 3, 2019
Mark Hamill’s tweet
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
The main reason George Lucas zeroed down Peter Mayhem for the role of Chewbacca was his height, 7 feet 3 inches. In a memorial statement the actor’s family mentioned, “For more than 30 years, Peter traveled all over the world spending time with his fans and friends. Peter developed lifelong friendships with the other cast members and his fans while on the convention circuit.” The actor is survived by his wife Angie and three children. The family has also mentioned in the statement that a memorial service would be held on June 29 and another memorial service would be held for fans in early December in Los Angeles. Rest in Peace, Peter Mayhew.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2019 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).