Star Wars’ Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew Dead at 74

Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, died at the age of 74.

Mayhew’s family announced the actor’s death on Twitter.

They indicated the actor died in his home in North Texas on April 30th.

Mayhew portrayed Chewbacca in all three of the original Star Wars films as well as Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He also consulted on Star Wars: The Last Jedi, where he helped train his protege Joonas Suotamo.

Along with Star Wars, Mayhew played The Tall Knight in Dark Towers. He also provided the dubbed English voice for Susha in Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy.

In the family’s announcement they noted the “Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”

They added:

“These relationships that began then grew into the friends and family that he would love for decades to come. 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 continued:

“As he realized over the years the impact he could have, he became heavily involved with the 501st legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish, and other non-profit organizations.”

Peter also establishd the Peter Mayhew Foundation, which recently provided food and supplies for children in Venezuela during the current political turmoil in the country.

Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and their children. Angie will take the helm of the Peter Mayhew Foundation and continue his works of kindness, generosity, and care.

A memorial service for Peter will be held for friends and family on June 29th. There will also be a memorial for fans in December in Los Angeles. The memorial will include Peter Mayhew’s family in attendance, personal effects, and collection at EmpireCon LA.

The family is requesting people to donate to the Peter Mayhew Foundation rather than provide gifts and flowers.

Many people honored Mayhew and remembered him.

Peter Mayhew will definitely be missed. The Force is with him.

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