Actor Peter Mayhew, who famously portrayed the beloved Wookiee, Chewbacca, in the original “Star Wars” films, died this week his family said in a statement. He was 74.
The towering screen star passed away on April 30 at his north Texas home, according to the statement. His family was by his side.
“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,” the family wrote in the statement.
Mayhew — who stood 7-foot-2 — played the classic character in the original trilogy, as well as episode three of the prequels and in the new trilogy of the series, his family wrote.
His last role as Chewbacca was in “Star Wars: the Force Awakens,” the statement said. He also consulted on “The Last Jedi” to train his successor.
Later in his life, Mayhew devoted his time to charity causes, including Wounded Warriors and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, his family said.
“As the films released and became more well-known he had his eyes opened to the possibilities of what he could achieve with his role in the Star Wars universe,” they wrote.
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