Peter Mayhew, Star Wars' Original Chewbacca, Has Passed Away

Peter Mayhew, the actor who brought the character Chewbacca to life in the original Star Wars trilogy, has passed away.

According to a statement posted today on Twitter by his family, Mayhew died on 30 April in his North Texas home. He was 74 years old. 

Mayhew played the iconic Wookiee Chewbacca in the original trilogy, episode three of the prequels and in the new trilogy's The Force Awakens. 

"The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away," the statement reads. 

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 Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019

"He fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

"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... The Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film."

Happy Birthday Pirate! pic.twitter.com/zBuiolJKBN

— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) July 14, 2017

Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and three children.