Peter Mayhew, ‘Star Wars’ Chewbacca, Dies at 74
Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the ‘Star Wars’ films from the beginning, has died at the age of 74. It will be a sad May the 4th this weekend.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 12: Chewbacca is seen on The Millennium Falcon at a press conference in Los Angeles on May 12, 2018 for “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which opens in U.S theaters on May 25. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Peter Mayhew, the actor best known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga has died at the age of 74.
Though he was an orderly in a hospital when he was cast as the towering Wookiee, he spent the next 40+ years as a 'Star Wars' legend.
The 7'3" tall British actor died at his Texas home on Tuesday, April 30th. His family announced his passing Thursday, May 2nd. Mayhew had undergone spinal surgery in July to aide his mobility.
Peter Mayhew was replaced in later movies, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker by Finnish-born Joonas Suotamo, a former basketball player who became an actor.
Mark Hamill tweeted:
