The galaxy already feels like a colder, lonelier place without Peter Mayhew in it, and his friends and colleagues have posted messages of condolence across social media and via statements.
Long-time friend and onscreen partner Harrison Ford expressed his condolences:
“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 the Star Wars audience. Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to it’s continued success and he was devoted to them. I and 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.”
George Lucas also paid tribute to Mayhew:
“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.”
Speaking on This Morning here in the UK, Warwick Davis talked about his old friend.
Meanwhile, other cast, crew and friends paid their own tributes. Read a selection of their reactions below.
https://twitter.com/JoonasSuotamo/status/1124095635332853760
https://twitter.com/simonpegg/status/1124095251659067392