Peter Mayhew, original 'Chewbacca' actor, dies at 74
Peter Mayhew, original 'Chewbacca' actor, dies at 74
Peter Mayhew's family said he died Tuesday night with his family by his side at his North Texas home.
Author: Andrew Weil, Tegna
Published: 6:58 PM EDT May 2, 2019
Updated: 7:07 PM EDT May 2, 2019
Actor Peter Mayhew, who was the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy and some of the new films, has died at the age of 74, his family announced Thursday.
In a statement posted on Mayhew's official Twitter account, his family revealed that the actor died Tuesday evening "with his family by his side in his North Texas home."
"He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth. But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film," his family's statement read.
Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and their three children.
"He fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens," his family wrote.
A memorial service for family and friends is planned for June 29.
The family is planning a memorial service for fans in early December at EmpireConLA.
Mayhew's family asks that fans consider donating to the Peter Mayhew Foundation in his memory.
Peter Mayhew, original 'Chewbacca' actor, dies at 74
Peter Mayhew's family said he died Tuesday night with his family by his side at his North Texas home.
Author: Andrew Weil, Tegna
Published: 6:58 PM EDT May 2, 2019
Updated: 7:07 PM EDT May 2, 2019
Actor Peter Mayhew, who was the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy and some of the new films, has died at the age of 74, his family announced Thursday.
In a statement posted on Mayhew's official Twitter account, his family revealed that the actor died Tuesday evening "with his family by his side in his North Texas home."
"He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth. But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film," his family's statement read.
Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and their three children.
"He fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens," his family wrote.
A memorial service for family and friends is planned for June 29.
The family is planning a memorial service for fans in early December at EmpireConLA.
Mayhew's family asks that fans consider donating to the Peter Mayhew Foundation in his memory.
