- [Narrator] Friends and family pay tribute
to Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew.
It was a sad week for Star War fans
when it was revealed on Thursday
that Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew
had passed away on Tuesday, April 30.
Announced on his Twitter by his family,
the 7'2 actor was 74.
Born in 1944, Peter was most famous
for his role as the wookiee Chewbacca
in 1977 Star Wars.
Mayhew went on to reprise the character
for the rest of the trilogy, as well as
Revenge of the Sith and The Force Awakens,
and would later serve as a Chewbacca consultant
for both The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Mayhew brought a signature mix of heart and comedy
to the non-human role, conveying emotion
through both his eyes and his growls.
His performance as Chewbacca was a presence
of warmth and humor throughout the Star Wars saga.
Chewbacca remains a favorite to fans both young and old.
Now beyond the big screen, Peter was also involved
heavily with fan events and conventions,
becoming an ambassador for the character and the franchise.
He wrote two books aimed at children, one about
being different, and the other about anti-bullying,
and even started a charity called
The Peter Mayhem Foundation, a non-profit organization
devoted to the alleviation of disease, pain, suffering,
and the financial toll brought
on by life's traumatic events.
Shortly after his death was announced,
an outpouring of support and love swept
across the internet from loved ones and friends.
Star Wars mastermind George Lucas, who gave Mayhew
the role Chewbacca when he was still working
as a hospital orderly at the time,
expressed his condolences in the Hollywood Reporter
saying, "Peter was a wonderful man.
He was the closest any human being could
be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature...
And I learned to always let him win.
He was a good friend and I'm saddened by his passing."
- Let the Wookiee win.
(Chewbacca growls)
- Luke Skywalker himself Mark Hamill encapsulated
his thoughts with, "He was the gentlest of giants,
a big man with an even bigger heart who never failed
to make me smile and a loyal friend who I loved dearly.
I'm grateful for the memories we shared
and I'm a better man for just having known him.
Thanks Pete."
- I'm gonna put these on you (Chewbacca growls)
Kay, Han you put those on.
- The Force Awakens and the The Rise of Skywalker
director J.J. Abrams shared this message,
"Peter was the loveliest man, kind and patient,
supportive and encouraging.
A sweetheart to work with and already deeply missed."
And The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson
also tweeted his condolences.
"RIP Peter Mayhew.
To create a beloved character with warmth and humor
is a testament to any actor's spirit,
And to do it under half ton of yak hair
takes a true legend."
Lucas Film president Kathleen Kennedy expressed
her condolences on the Star Wars website.
"We are deeply saddened today by the news of
Peter Mayhew's passing.
Since 1976, Peter's iconic portrayal of the loyal,
lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the
character's success, and to the Star Wars saga itself."
Lando Calrissian actor Billy Dee Williams
said of his Millennium Falcon co-pilot,
"Much more than Chewie to me, my heart hurts.
I will miss you my dear friend,
thanks for the great memories."
- How you doing Chewbacca? (Chewbacca moans)
You still hanging around with this loser?
(Chewbacca moans) - Peter's co-star
from the sequel trilogy John Boyega shared
some photos with the caption, "The happiness you brought
to my life through Chewbacca was always enough,
but to meet you and experience your amazing heart
was even better.
Rest in peace Pete."
- He almost killed me six times!
(Chewbacca growls) Which is fine!
- And Billie Lourd, Carrie Fisher's daughter,
who acted alongside Mayhew in the Force Awakens,
revealed some touching behind the scenes photos
of Peter Mayhew and Carrie Fisher.
- Will somebody give this walking carpet out of my way?
- Current Chewbacca actor Joonas Suotamo
took to Instagram to share his sadness,
"Devastated to hear about the passing of a dear friend
and mentor, the great Peter Mayhew.
Peter's warm welcome when I came aboard as his double
in The Force Awakens meant so much to me.
He was an absolutely one of a kind gentleman,
and a legend of unrivaled class and I will miss him."
- Chewie,
we're home.
- But it was Peter's on-screen best friend Han Solo,
AKA Harrison Ford, who may of summed up Mayhew's
passing the best.
"Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man,
possessed of great dignity and noble character.
These aspects of his own personality,
plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca.
We were partners in film and friends in life
for over 30 years and I loved him.
He invested his soul in the character and brought
great pleasure to to the Star Wars audience.
I and the millions of others will never forget
Peter and what he gave us all.
My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children.
Rest easy, my dear friend."
(Chewbacca moans) - Alright pal.
- We here at Nerdist News also wish
to express how sad we are by this loss.
Peter Mayhew made the role of Chewbacca his
and our universe is just a little bit smaller
with this giant of a man gone from our lives.
You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.
- Goodbye Chewbacca
(Chewbacca moans)
- Miss you I will.
(upbeat pop music)