The seven foot two inch tall actor Peter Mayhew, who played the Chewbacca Wookiee role in the long running Star Wars movie series beginning in 1977, has passed away at the age of 74. Mayhew originally did acting part time in between his job as a hospital porter. While Mayhew played Chewbacca the strong but friendly hairy giant without words – his bear-like sounds being computer enhancements – but he was nevertheless well regarded by his fellow actors both for his acting, and for his natural kindness.
Due to due to Mayhew’s ill heath, Finland’s Joonas Suotamo later succeeded him in the Chewbacca role – albeit with the help of Mayhew’s tuition.
Harrison Ford who played Han Solo, Chewbacca’s best friend on screen, noted in tribute how much he also really loved Peter Mayhew off screen. We at Seradata also give our tribute to Peter Mayhew, and our condolences to his family and friends.
Chewbacca played by Peter Mayhew with his friend off the screen Harrison Ford playing his on screen friend Han Solo. Courtesy: Lucasfilm
