[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21321″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Peter William Mayhew (D.O.B. May 19th. 1944 in Barnes, Surrey, England) recently passed away on April 30th. 2019 in Boyd, Texas, USA. He was 74.
Afflicted with Marfan syndrome, Peter towered at 7 feet 3 inches tall.
He is a integral part of the STAR WARS franchise that began in 1977. George Lucas casted him as Chewbacca (affectionately nicknamed ‘Chewie’) because of his height. The hirsute Chewbacca, a native of the planet Kashyyyk, is a protector and loyal friend of Han Solo. Chewie is also the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon (a spaceship owned by Han Solo).
Peter Mayhew played this beloved character for a total of five movies from episode III (1977’s STAR WARS) through episode VII (2015’s STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS) – Peter shared the role of Chewbacca with Joonas Sautomo in episide VII. His retirement from the iconic role was necessitated by health concerns. His live appearances as Chewbacca included 1978’s TV movie STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL and in a episode of THE MUPPET SHOW in 1980 as well as commercials, hospital visits to the delight of sick children, and in 1997 during the MTV Film Awards when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Peter Mayhew held dual British-American citizenships, and is survived by his wife, Angie Luker, whom he married in 1999.
On STAR WARS DAY today, May 4th. 2019, we remember Peter William Mayhew and bid him a heart-felt teary farewell. He is fondly remembered and will be sorely missed.
May The Force be with him.
Please share your memories about Chewbacca in the comments below or follow us on Twitter to share your memories of this wonderful human being.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
I am and will always be a GEEK. I love the sci-fi, fantasy, and Wuxia genres – novels, movies, and etc. My interests (in no particular order) include gardening, cooking, baking, reading, watching TV(mostly PBS) and movies, and volunteering for non-profits and doing charity-work. I love animals and I think Unicorns TOTALLY ROCK.
