Chewbacca, Peter Mayhew has died

He was 74 years old.

Peter Mayhew played the lovable Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, episode three of the prequels, and shared the role in 2015’s The Force Awakens. According to his family, he passed away earlier this week in his home in Texas.

The cause of death has not been made public at this time, however, Mayhew had battled health issues and under went spinal surgery last year. Mayhew had remained active on social media updating fans of his health.

 

Star Wars creator George Lucas had wanted a tall actor to play Chewbacca. Peter Mayhew was a staggering 2.18m/ 7ft 2in tall and so, was given the role.