Our friends over at StarWars.com have posted this article on the sad passing of Peter Mayhew.
Peter played Chewbacca, or “Chewie,” a towering, hairy Wookiee, in every Star Wars film from 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope to 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Standing 7 feet 3 inches tall, Mayhew’s Chewbacca was an imposing sight, and through body language alone, he could convey anger, curiosity, and delight. Alongside Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, one of film’s most iconic duos was born.
“Chewie transformed me,” Peter once said of acting in the costume. “The attitude was different. The walk was different. Do the scenes, come back, take the mask off, Peter was back.”
“We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew’s passing,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “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. When I first met Peter during The Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature. Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skillful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory.”
