Original Chewbacca Actor, Peter Mayhew, Dies At 74

Peter Mayhew, the legendary actor best known for playing the iconic Chewbacca character in the ‘Star Wars’ films, has died at the age of 74.

His family confirmed the London born actor’s death through a statement posted on Twitter.

“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,” read the caption of the Twitter post.

However, the family did not reveal the cause of his death.

Mayhew made his first appearance as Chewbacca in the landmark sci-fi action-thriller ‘Star Wars’ in 1977, and co-starred in four more films in the ‘Star Wars’ series – 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Return of the Jedi', 'Revenge of the Sith' and 'The Force Awakens'.

He also consulted on 'The Last Jedi'.

He had also appeared in television sitcoms and dramas 'Donny & Marie', 'The Muppet Show' dan 'Glee'.

Mayhew’s acting talent was discovered and encouraged by producer Charles H. Schneer when the former was working in a hospital in London. This landed him a role in Ray Harryhausen’s 'Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger'.

A memorial service will be held on 29 June while another memorial service for fans will be held in early December in Los Angeles.

Rest in peace, Chewie! We will miss you.