Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca actor in
Mayhew, who once used a wheelchair because of a bum knee, stood tall to portray Chewbacca once more in « Star Wars: The Force Awakens. » He also consulted on « The Last Jedi » to help teach his successor.
« 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, » his family said. « But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film. »
Mayhew started the Peter Mayhew Foundation to support people in crisis situations, including providing food and supplies for the children of Venezuela during their recent road to freedom.
« His kindness, generosity and care will live on in the Peter Mayhew Foundation with Angie taking the helm as his voice, » his family said.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held on June 29. In early December, there will be a memorial in Los Angeles for fans.
Tributes pour in for the ‘Star Wars’ legend
Just two days before May 4, a day when « May the Fourth » puns run rampant, celebrities and « Star War » fans remember Mayhew as the man who inhabited the Wookie suit dating back to the ’70s.
