Star Wars fans around the world were stunned at the announcement that Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy of films, passed away earlier this week in his Texas home. In addition to starring in the original trilogy, the actor returned for a brief role in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actor stood 7’2″, allowing him to convey the Wookiee’s impressive stature, while also endowing the alien with a human-like personality. Unfortunately, that impressive stature led to mobility issues later in life which oftentimes resulted in having to cancel scheduled appearances at various Star Wars events.
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Mayhew’s family posted the following statement on his Twitter account:
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. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
The loss of such an iconic figure resonated all across social media, with fans sharing favorite photos, anecdotes, and condolences.
Scroll down to see fans celebrating the actor.
Person Under the Fur
Chewbacca has been a huge part of ENTIRE life. I was 1 when my parents took me to see Star Wars in 1977. Like most kids, we worshipped Chewie. When you get older and realize there’s a person under that fur, and that that person was as great as the Wookiee he played….
— Steve “Rael” Smoochenbacher (@SteveDunk5) May 2, 2019
…it only makes you love that character even more. Rest well Peter, may the Force be with you. #PeterMayhew #StarWars @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/I2eq3Kzfl8
— Steve “Rael” Smoochenbacher (@SteveDunk5) May 2, 2019
Ever-Present Fixture
Rest In Peace Peter Mayhew. An ever-present fixture of the #StarWars family, he will be remembered for his gracious, kind attitude toward fans, uplifting life story and unforgettable performance as Chewbacca. No one’s ever really gone. #MayTheForceBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/Nv2TCl52Jn
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) May 2, 2019
They All Hug Him
A short Chewbacca story: A few years ago, I got to visit Pinewood Studios, where they shoot Star Wars. In the Warbrobe Department, there was a small room where they kept the Chewie costumes. When I saw him, I couldn’t help myself. Something came over me.
— Noah Segan (@kidblue) May 2, 2019
I ran up to Chewie and hugged the costume. The handful of other people on the tour did the same, one by one. No one mentioned it. When we left the room, our guide said, “Everyone has the same reaction when they see him. They all hug him. We don’t even try to stop it anymore.”
— Noah Segan (@kidblue) May 2, 2019
Always With Us
Peter Mayhew was so genuine in his love for Star Wars and the character he brought to life. Chewbacca immediately felt like a kind, warm, dear friend on screen, and that was all Peter.
— heath (@heathdwilliams) May 2, 2019
When you watch that behind the scenes clip for The Force Awakens and see him climb into that cockpit again and do the Wookiee roar….just perfect and joyous. What a gift he was, and what a loss this is.
— heath (@heathdwilliams) May 2, 2019
Chewbacca will always be with us, of course. So Peter will be, too. Godspeed, sir. pic.twitter.com/jrtpZjWdN0
— heath (@heathdwilliams) May 2, 2019
Warmth to Our Hearts
It is with the heaviest of hearts, that we say goodbye to one of the greatest Hero’s of any time.
— Star Wars DieHards (@StarWarsDH) May 2, 2019
We love you Peter Mayhew, and we appreciate you so much. You brought light to my childhood, and warmth to my heart.
Goodbye Chewbacca, Miss you I will♥️ pic.twitter.com/SS9stugeNJ
A Mark on Our Hearts
So sad to hear the passing of the mighty Chewbacca himself Peter Mayhew. Under the mask of Chewbacca he brought to life the 7 foot tall Wookiee leaving a mark on all of our hearts. Happy to have had the chance to meet you and may the force be with you ❤️#petermayhew @starwars pic.twitter.com/eSmxRH1OWw
— Brandon Wynn (@Wynnb15) May 2, 2019
Thank You
R.I.P Peter Mayhew, Thank You. #Chewbacca pic.twitter.com/s4wApWXyUS
— Mitchell (@MitchellSnake) May 2, 2019
Force Be With You Always
R.I.P. Chewbacca – May the Force be with you always pic.twitter.com/WnopD894br
— Little Mogwai Jedi (@starjedi007) May 2, 2019
A Kid’s Best Friend
😔😞😢 The gentle, loving spirit of Peter Mayhew is why #Chewbacca is every kid’s trusted friend. RIP pic.twitter.com/SYvcBav5ig
— David W. Collins (@DavidWCollins) May 2, 2019
Heartbroken
I’m heartbroken. 💔#PeterMayhew #StarWars #Chewbacca pic.twitter.com/fORGKbn40Q
— William Andrade (@SirDarthUno) May 2, 2019
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(L-R): Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law), KB (Kyriana Kratter), Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), and Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
