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Peter Mayhew
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Peter Mayhew
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Peter William Mayhew[2] (19 May 1944 – 30 April 2019) was a British-American actor. He was best known for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars film series. He played the character in all of his live-action appearances from the 1977 original to 2015's The Force Awakens before his retirement from the role. He also voiced the character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and portrayed him in some non-canon television shows including The Muppet Show.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Peter Mayhew was born on 19 May 1944, in Barnes, Surrey. At the age of 8, he was diagnosed with gigantism.[3] Mayhew also had a genetic tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome.[4][5] His peak height was 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m).[6]

Career

[edit]

Early work

[edit]

Mayhew gained his first acting job when the producers of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) discovered him from a photograph in a newspaper article about men with large feet, and cast him in the role of the Minoton.[7][8]

Star Wars

[edit]
Main article: Star Wars
Further information: Star Wars original trilogy and Chewbacca

1977-1983: Star Wars original trilogy

[edit]

Mayhew played Chewbacca in five Star Wars films of the Skywalker saga: the original trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.[9]

When casting the original Star Wars (1977), director George Lucas needed a tall actor who could fit the role of the hairy alien Chewbacca. He originally had in mind 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 m) bodybuilder David Prowse, but Prowse chose to play Darth Vader. This led Lucas to cast Mayhew, who was working as a hospital orderly in the emergency department at Mayday University Hospital in Surrey.[10] He became aware of a casting call for Star Wars which was filming at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.[11] The 7-foot-3-inch (2.21 m) tall actor was immediately cast as Chewbacca after he stood up to greet Lucas.[11][12] Mayhew continued working as an orderly at the same hospital in between filming the original Star Wars trilogy.[13] The success and cultural impact of Star Wars led to further sequels rounding out the original trilogy, two more trilogies and television shows which continued Mayhew's association with his character and the franchise for the next decades.

Mayhew modelled his performance of Chewbacca after researching the behaviour of bears, monkeys and gorillas he saw at London Zoo.[14] Lucas said Mayhew was "the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature and I learnt to always let him win".[14] The character did not have any lines, the sounds he made being derived from sound recordings of animal noises.[15]

Mayhew at the 2008 Big Apple Con sitting in front of an image of Chewbacca

The release of Star Wars, the first film in the series and fourth chapter of the Skywalker saga, took place in 1977 and received positive reviews. He filmed several scenes for the original trilogy at Elstree Studios.[16] Mayhew starred in The Empire Strikes Back; the film received positive reviews and was the highest-grossing film of the year. Ever since its release and even after a reassessment, it is considered to be the best film in the Star Wars series. He also appeared in the 1980 television documentary special, SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back. Although 1983's Return of the Jedi marked the end of the original trilogy, some back stories George Lucas created would generate production and filming of the prequel trilogy in the 1990s and eventually contribute to Mayhew's reprisal. The actor shared his memories of his costume and experience on the first three films in the 2004 documentary film, Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. The documentary was included in the first DVD release of the original trilogy.

2003-2011: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Clone Wars

[edit]

"As soon as I put the Chewie costume on, the character came out. It was like riding a bike. One minute I could be standing there talking to someone and having a normal conversation, but the moment I put on the mask, I became the character. Chewbacca literally came alive. It was quite amazing."

 -Peter Mayhew's memories of putting on the Chewbacca costume[17]

By the time Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones was released to cinemas in May 2002, work had begun on the last film of the prequel trilogy.[18] On 23 April 2003, it was announced on the Star Wars website that Mayhew would reprise his role in Revenge of the Sith, the last instalment of the prequel trilogy and last film to be distributed by 20th Century Fox.[19] It was also announced that two of his co-stars from the original trilogy, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker would reprise their roles as C-3PO and R2-D2 respectively.[19] The events of the film take place 19 years before the first theatrical film Mayhew appeared in. Prior to the announcement, Mayhew received a phone call from Rick McCallum asking if he was available.[17] Upon his return, Mayhew said, "Not only was it great personally to be able to become that character again, to bring him back after all this time, but it generally seemed to make people happy."[17] He also described his character as "very comforting."[17]

Most of the live-action scenes had been completed during the 57-day shoot in 2003, however several scenes including the Battle of Kashyyyk had not been.[17] In the summer of 2003, Mayhew and seven new Wookiee performers had their costume fittings.[17] A new Chewbacca costume was made for Mayhew and it included a foam musculature.[20] The costume also reflected the character being 19 years younger than his counterpart in A New Hope.[20] There was no ventilation system in the original costume but this time the new costume featured "an arterial cooling system underneath the fur."[20] Mayhew's scenes were quieter because although Chewbacca was featured alongside Yoda the latter was digitally added later.[20] Kashyyyk had been previously featured in Star Wars Holiday Special which Mayhew appeared in. Mayhew and the Wookiee actors filmed their scenes for the Battle of Kashyyyk at Sydney in the Spring of 2004.[17]

Revenge of the Sith was released in cinemas in May 2005 and received positive reviews. He also recorded dialogue for the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3 finale episode "Wookiee Hunt".[21] The animated television series takes place between the events of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

2012-2016: Last Star Wars film and successor

[edit]

In October 2012, the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm and announced that the sequel trilogy would be made with Episode VII being released in 2015. In April 2014, it was announced that Mayhew would reprise his role in the first instalment of the sequel trilogy and seventh Star Wars film.[9][22] He acted opposite several of his co-stars including Harrison Ford from the original trilogy again and new cast members including Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. The Force Awakens was the first live-action Star Wars film to be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film received positive reviews, was the highest grossing film of 2015, grossed $2.07 billion worldwide and became the third-highest grossing film at the time of its release.

While Mayhew portrayed Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he was not in Star Wars: The Last Jedi but was listed in the credits as "Chewbacca Consultant".[23][24] Mayhew retired from playing Chewbacca due to health issues. Joonas Suotamo shared the portrayal of Chewbacca with Mayhew in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and then completely replaced him in subsequent Star Wars films.[a][25][26]

1977-2019: Television, commercials and other appearances

[edit]

Mayhew made a guest appearance in a Star Wars special of the Donny & Marie show.[27] He and Anthony Daniels were the only actors from Star Wars to appear in the television special.[28] Mayhew played the role in the 1978 television film Star Wars Holiday Special, set between the events of Star Wars and the yet to be released sequel.[29] The television special was broadcast only once and received negative reviews but became a cult classic among Star Wars fans when bootleg recordings were uploaded to the internet.[30] In 1980 made a guest appearance on The Muppet Show, The Stars of Star Wars; the crossover episode also starred Daniels as C-3PO, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 who went on a search for Chewbacca.[31] They filmed scenes at ATV Studios in January 1980.[31]

Mayhew played the role in commercials and hospital appearances for sick children, and made numerous appearances as Chewbacca outside the Star Wars films. Mayhew, appearing as Chewbacca, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Film Awards 1997.[32]

He also made other media appearances outside of playing Chewbacca. He appeared on NBC's Identity, where his identity was based on his role as Chewbacca and was a frequent guest in the early days of Slice of SciFi.[33]

His final convention appearance was Star Wars Celebration Chicago in 2019.[34]

Other work

[edit]

Outside Star Wars, Mayhew appeared in the 1978 horror film Terror, directed by Norman J. Warren.[35][36] In the English version of Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy, he provided the voice for Susha.[37] He also appeared in Yesterday Was a Lie.[38]

Books

[edit]

Mayhew wrote two books for younger audiences: Growing Up Giant,[39] which explains that being different is a strength instead of a weakness, and the anti-bullying book for children My Favorite Giant.[40]

Personal life

[edit]

Mayhew moved to Wheathead Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire, in 1987.[2][41] He invested in and worked at a timber yard just over the City of Bradford border in South Craven, North Yorkshire.[2][42] He became a supporter of Keighley Rugby Union Football Club.[2][41]

Mayhew married Mary Angelique "Angie" Luker (née Cigainero), a native of Texas, in 1999.[43][2] The two lived in Boyd, Texas, United States, where he had moved to in 2000.[2][42] Peter was the stepfather to Mary's three children.[44][45] It was reported that his wife would head his namesake charity, the Peter Mayhew Foundation.

Mayhew became a naturalised citizen of the United States in 2005 at a ceremony in Arlington, Texas.[46][47] In an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he joked that he did not get a medal at this ceremony either, a reference to the closing scene in Star Wars during which Luke Skywalker and Han Solo get medals, but Chewbacca does not. Mayhew noted in an MTV interview that although Chewbacca does not get a medal in the film, he does have the last line of dialogue, when he roars.[48]

Mayhew underwent double knee replacement surgery in 2013,[49] having been a full-time wheelchair user for the previous two years and still largely reliant on it at the time of filming The Force Awakens.[50] In July 2018, Mayhew announced via Twitter that he had successfully undergone unspecified spinal surgery to improve his mobility, and was recovering.[51][2]

Death and tributes

[edit]

Mayhew died of a heart attack on 30 April 2019, at his home in Boyd, Texas, at age 74.[52] He was buried in Reno, Parker County, Texas, in Azleland Memorial Park and Mausoleum.[53]

Harrison Ford praised Mayhew for his "great dignity and noble character".[54][24] Mark Hamill called Mayhew "the gentlest of giants."[24]

Anthony Daniels detailed his recollections about working with Mayhew on the original trilogy, the Star Wars Holiday Special and non-canon television shows in his 2019 memoirs, I Am C-3PO.[55]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1977 Star Wars Chewbacca [9][56]
Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Minoton Uncredited [7]
1978 Terror The Mechanic [36]
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Chewbacca [9][57]
1982 Return of the Ewok Video [58]
1983 Return of the Jedi [9]
1987 Star Tours Short; uncredited [59]
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Himself [60]
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy Documentary film
2005 Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Chewbacca [9]
2008 Yesterday Was a Lie Dead Man [38]
2009 Fanboys Himself Uncredited
2015 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chewbacca Shared role with Joonas Suotamo and final film role [2]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1977 Donny & Marie Chewbacca Episode # 3.1 [61][27]
1978 Star Wars Holiday Special TV special [62]
1979 Hazell Episode "Hazell and the Big Sleep" [citation needed]
1980 The Muppet Show Chewbacca Episode: The Stars of Star Wars [63][31]
SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back Himself Television documentary drama
1981 Dark Towers The Tall Knight [36]
1985 The Kenny Everett Television Show Various Episode #3.3 [64]
2004 Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy Susha (Gettō) Voice; English dub; TV special [37]
2011 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Chewbacca Episode: Wookiee Hunt; Special Thanks [65]
Glee Episode: Extraordinary Merry Christmas
2012 Breaking In Himself Episode: Episode XIII
2015 Comic Book Men Himself Episode: Wookiee Fever

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Peter Mayhew

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Peter Mayhew (19 May 1944 – 30 April 2019) was a British-American best known for his portrayal of the character in the Star Wars film franchise. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches tall due to from an overactive and diagnosed in his youth, Mayhew brought a distinctive physical presence to the role, which he originated in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) and reprised in (1980), (1983), Revenge of the Sith (2005), and The Force Awakens (2015), while serving as a consultant for The Last Jedi (2017). His performance, characterized by subtle gestures and expressive movements within the cumbersome fur suit, helped define as a loyal and endearing companion to , contributing to the character's enduring popularity in one of cinema's most iconic sagas. Born in Barnes, southwest London, and raised in Surrey, Mayhew worked as a hospital orderly at King's College Hospital in the mid-1970s when he was featured in a newspaper article about tall individuals; producer Charles H. Schneer spotted this and cast him as a minotaur in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977). For Star Wars, after Dave Prowse was cast as Darth Vader, he recommended Mayhew to George Lucas for Chewbacca. Prior to his breakthrough, he had minor film appearances, including roles in the horror film Terror (1978) and the TV series Hazell (1979). Following the original trilogy, Mayhew largely stepped away from acting to manage a timber business in West Yorkshire from 1987 to 2000, though he made guest appearances on shows like The Muppet Show, Donny & Marie, and Glee, and participated actively in science-fiction conventions. In his later years, Mayhew relocated to Texas with his wife, Angie Luker, whom he married in 1999 after meeting at a convention; the couple raised her three children, and he became a U.S. citizen in 2005. He underwent double knee replacement surgery in 2013 and spinal surgery in 2018 to manage health issues related to his stature, but continued charitable work through the Peter Mayhew Foundation, supporting organizations like the 501st Legion and Make-A-Wish. Mayhew also co-authored children's books Growing Up Giant and My Favorite Giant (both 2011), drawing from his experiences with his height. He died of a heart attack at his home in North Texas at age 74, leaving a legacy as a gentle giant whose embodiment of Chewbacca inspired generations of fans; Harrison Ford eulogized him as "a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity."

Early years

Childhood and family background

Peter Mayhew was born on 19 May 1944 in Barnes, southwest , , to Walter Henry Mayhew, a police officer, and Constance Elizabeth Yeates. He had an older brother and, as an infant, was evacuated with his family to during due to V-1 attacks. He was raised in the nearby area of , , during the austere years of post- Britain, in a household shaped by his father's role. Mayhew attended local schools in but left formal education upon completing secondary schooling to enter the workforce. He initially took up employment as a porter at in , later transitioning to a similar role at Mayday Hospital in , reflecting the practical demands of early adulthood in a modest family setting. While working as a orderly, Mayhew was featured in a local article highlighting individuals with large feet, which inadvertently led to his discovery by a film production team and his entry into .

Medical conditions and physical development

Peter Mayhew was diagnosed with , a affecting , at the age of 14. This condition, combined with an overactive contributing to excessive growth, led to his rapid physical development, reaching 6 feet 8 inches by age 9 and ultimately attaining a height of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) in adulthood. Marfan syndrome typically manifests with elongated limbs and a tall, thin frame, as seen in Mayhew, along with potential and cardiovascular complications. From a young age, Mayhew's exceptional height set him apart, often resulting in differential treatment during social interactions, where he was frequently stared at or approached due to his stature. Daily activities proved challenging, such as finding appropriately sized clothing or navigating standard doorways and furniture designed for average heights, which highlighted the practical difficulties of his condition. These early health factors had lasting implications for Mayhew's mobility and overall well-being, contributing to progressive joint strain and reduced physical endurance that influenced his health into adulthood.

Career

Early acting roles

Peter Mayhew's exceptional of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m), resulting from , a genetic disorder, proved instrumental in launching his career. In the mid-1970s, while employed as a hospital orderly at in , Mayhew appeared in a local newspaper feature on men with unusually large feet, which drew the attention of . Schneer, preparing for a fantasy production and in need of a tall performer, reached out to Mayhew through the hospital, marking his unexpected entry into the industry. This discovery transitioned him from healthcare work to on-screen opportunities that capitalized on his physical presence. Mayhew's screen debut came in the role of the Minoton, a towering automaton warrior, in the 1977 adventure film Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, directed by . Portraying the 7-foot-3-inch (2.21 m) character, he served as the live-action suit performer for Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion creation, enduring a restrictive fibreglass costume during six weeks of in and . Early in his career, Mayhew's stature afforded him access to niche parts in low-budget fantasy and horror productions but also resulted in , confining him largely to roles emphasizing his size rather than dramatic range. These initial experiences highlighted both the advantages and limitations of his physical attributes in an industry that often prioritized spectacle over versatility for actors of his build.

Portrayal of Chewbacca in Star Wars

Peter Mayhew was cast as for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) after producer contacted him following his role in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, leading to an audition with , who was impressed by his 7-foot-3-inch height and gentle presence when he stood to greet him. Lucas, seeking a tall to embody the loyal , was drawn to Mayhew's natural stature and demeanor that suited the character's protective yet kind nature. Mayhew's portrayal defined across the original trilogy, appearing in A New Hope (1977), (1980), and (1983). Lacking dialogue, he conveyed the Wookiee's emotions through expressive body language, subtle facial movements under the fur suit, and coordinated growls provided by sound designers, emphasizing 's fierce loyalty to and unwavering heroism. His physical performance brought depth to the non-verbal role, making the character a fan favorite for its relatable warmth amid galactic adventures. Mayhew returned to the franchise for the sequel trilogy, taking a partial role in The Force Awakens (2015) where he performed in key scenes aboard the , supplemented by motion assistance and body double work from . During production, Mayhew trained Suotamo on the character's mannerisms, ensuring continuity in 's iconic gait and gestures. He also reprised the role in other media, such as voicing and providing for in the Star Wars Battlefront (2015), and made frequent costumed appearances at fan conventions from 1977 through 2019, delighting audiences with the Wookiee's signature roars and hugs that highlighted his endearing loyalty. In 2016, health challenges prompted Mayhew's retirement from the physical demands of the role, leading to a full handover to Suotamo for The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), though Mayhew continued advising on the character's portrayal to maintain its essence.

Other film and television work

Following his breakout role in Star Wars, Peter Mayhew's subsequent acting opportunities were largely influenced by his towering 7-foot-3-inch frame and the typecasting it engendered, leading to a sparse but distinctive array of supporting roles in film and television that often capitalized on his physical presence in genre projects. In 1978, Mayhew appeared in the British supernatural horror film Terror, directed by Norman J. Warren, where he played a mechanic in a minor but memorable capacity amid the film's slasher narrative involving a cursed production of a witches' play. This role highlighted his ability to embody imposing, silent figures in low-budget horror, a genre that frequently sought his unique stature for atmospheric effect. The following year, he took on the part of a biker in the sports drama Yesterday's Hero, a Columbia Pictures production starring Ian McShane as a washed-up soccer player attempting a comeback with a ragtag team; Mayhew's character contributed to the film's gritty ensemble of underdogs, leveraging his physicality to underscore the story's themes of redemption and resilience. He also appeared as a giant in a 1979 episode of the TV series Hazell. Following Star Wars, Mayhew made guest appearances on shows such as The Muppet Show (1978), Donny & Marie (1978), and Glee (2010). After the original trilogy, he largely stepped away from acting to manage a timber business in West Yorkshire from 1987 to 2000, though he continued selective engagements. Mayhew's television work in the 1980s included a as the "Tall Knight" in the children's fantasy series (1981), a production blending comedy and adventure, where his height was central to the character's mythical allure. He also featured in sketches on (1985), playing various comedic roles in the satirical variety series hosted by the eccentric comedian ; these brief spots allowed Mayhew to showcase a lighter side, often poking fun at his Star Wars fame through exaggerated physical humor. Later in his career, health issues stemming from his Marfan syndrome and height limited his on-screen appearances, confining him to occasional cameos and voice work that played on his iconic persona without demanding extensive physical exertion. In 2004, he provided the English voice for the giant warrior Susha in the anime special Dragon Ball GT: A Hero's Legacy, a direct-to-video release that drew on his gravelly timbre for the character's imposing presence. Mayhew made an uncredited cameo as himself in the comedy Fanboys (2009), a road-trip film about Star Wars enthusiasts sneaking into Skywalker Ranch, where his brief appearance served as a meta-nod to fan culture. Additionally, he appeared in the independent psychological drama Yesterday Was a Lie (2008) as "The Man," a enigmatic figure in the film's nonlinear narrative exploring time and memory. These roles, spanning horror, comedy, and indie fare, reflected a career trajectory shaped by typecasting yet marked by selective engagements that honored his physical attributes and enduring celebrity.

Writing and publications

Peter Mayhew ventured into writing as a means to share his personal experiences and inspire young readers, particularly those facing physical differences. In collaboration with his wife, Angie Mayhew, he co-authored the children's Growing Up Giant: My Unusual Life as a Real Giant, published in 2011 by Hound Comics. The book recounts his childhood challenges growing up to a of 7 feet 3 inches, including issues such as growing pains and medical visits, presented in an accessible, illustrated format to highlight resilience and . Mayhew's motivation for the project stemmed from his wife's initiative to document his unique life story, aiming to encourage children to view differences as strengths rather than obstacles. This theme extended to his second book, My Favorite Giant, also co-authored with Angie Mayhew and published in 2011, which follows a whimsical adventure emphasizing and the value of understanding others who appear different. A portion of proceeds from My Favorite Giant supported the in memory of a young fan who passed away from cancer, reflecting Mayhew's charitable intent behind his writing. Both books received positive but modest reception, with fans appreciating their heartfelt messages and ties to Mayhew's iconic Star Wars persona, contributing to niche success among younger audiences and Star Wars enthusiasts. Reviews praised Growing Up Giant for its inspirational tone and relatable storytelling, though the works remained small-scale publications without widespread commercial breakthroughs.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Peter Mayhew met Mary Angelique "Angie" Luker (née Cigainero), a native and Star Wars enthusiast, at a convention in during the 1990s, leading to their on August 7, 1999. The couple settled in Boyd, , after relocating from the following their —initially to Granbury before moving to Boyd—where Mayhew became stepfather to Angie's three daughters from a previous . Mayhew was a devoted and , often crediting Angie for her unwavering support during his frequent convention appearances across the , where she managed logistics and ensured his comfort amid his public role as . The family maintained a relatively private life in , balancing Mayhew's fame with everyday domestic routines, including collaborative efforts on charitable initiatives like the Peter Mayhew Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to alleviating disease, pain, suffering, and financial burdens for children and families, which closed at the end of 2024. In October 2005, Mayhew became a U.S. citizen during a in , motivated by a desire for greater family stability and career continuity.

Health challenges and later residence

After years of residency in the United States following his marriage to Angie in 1999, Mayhew continued living in Boyd, Texas, seeking a quieter rural life away from the demands of Hollywood. Mayhew faced significant health challenges stemming from his Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that contributed to his exceptional height and ongoing mobility issues. In September 2013, he underwent double knee replacement surgery at Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, after two years of wheelchair use, aimed at restoring enough mobility to reprise his role as Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Five years later, in July 2018, he had spinal surgery to alleviate chronic pain and further improve his ability to walk. In his later years, Mayhew managed his conditions with assistive devices, including a custom lightsaber-shaped walking cane, and significantly reduced to conserve energy and prevent further strain. These health struggles ultimately led to his retirement from on-set in , though he continued contributing as a for the role.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

Peter Mayhew passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74, in his home in Boyd, , due to a heart attack. His family announced the news on May 2, 2019, stating that he died peacefully in the evening with loved ones by his side. The heart attack occurred without prior hospitalization, though Mayhew had faced ongoing health challenges related to his height, including double in 2013 and spinal in 2018. In their public statement, Mayhew's family described his passing as serene and expressed gratitude for the support received, while requesting privacy during their time of grief to honor his memory.

Tributes and enduring impact

Following the announcement of Peter Mayhew's death on May 2, 2019, tributes poured in from his Star Wars co-stars, highlighting his warmth and influence. , who portrayed , shared on that Mayhew was "the gentlest of giants—a big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile," emphasizing their deep friendship. , who succeeded Mayhew as starting with The Force Awakens, posted an Instagram homage describing him as a "dear friend and mentor" and a "giant man with a big heart," crediting Mayhew's guidance in embodying the character. Fans and the industry responded with widespread mourning, including heartfelt messages at conventions and online. At events like Fan Expo Dallas, where Mayhew was scheduled to appear, organizers set up a tribute book for attendees to share memories, which was later presented to his family. Similar gestures occurred at Star Wars festivals in Ireland shortly after his passing, where attendees honored his iconic role amid celebrations of the franchise. Mayhew's enduring legacy is evident in the lasting cultural impact of his portrayal, which shaped the character's loyal and heroic essence across generations of Star Wars media. This influence persists through Suotamo's ongoing depictions of in later Star Wars projects, drawing directly from Mayhew's mannerisms and to ensure the Wookiee's appeal in modern storytelling. In , Mayhew established the Peter Mayhew Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for health issues, including pediatric cancer through partnerships like R2-KT and organizations such as Make-A-Wish, continuing his commitment to alleviating suffering until its operations wound down in late 2024. Posthumously, Mayhew received honors recognizing his contributions to pop culture, including a memorial tribute during the In Memoriam segment at the in 2020. His physical portrayal, which infused with a gentle yet imposing presence, remains a cornerstone of the character's references in 2020s Star Wars projects, solidifying Mayhew's role as an enduring icon without additional acting appearances.

Filmography

Film credits

Peter Mayhew's imposing height of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) made him ideal for roles requiring a tall, physically imposing presence. The following table lists his feature film roles in chronological order, with brief notes on the nature of the performance where relevant.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1977Sinbad and the Eye of the TigerMinotonPortrayed the Minoton, a cyclops-like creature, in a stop-motion fantasy adventure; required wearing a heavy latex suit for extended scenes.
1977Star Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeChewbaccaDebut as the Wookiee warrior Chewbacca; the role demanded navigating in a restrictive fur suit over 10 months of filming, involving acrobatic stunts.
1978TerrorMechanicMinor role as a menacing mechanic in a British horror film; brief but physically intimidating appearance.
1980Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes BackChewbaccaReprised Chewbacca, including demanding scenes like piloting the Millennium Falcon and swinging across chasms; suit modifications improved mobility.
1983Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the JediChewbaccaReturned as Chewbacca for action-heavy sequences, such as the Endor battle; physical toll from suit noted in production accounts.
2005Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the SithChewbaccaCameo appearance as Chewbacca during the Kashyyyk battle; limited screen time but involved in group action choreography.
2009Yesterday Was a LieDead ManSupporting role in an independent surreal drama; one of his few non-Star Wars lead-adjacent parts post-1980s.
2009FanboysHimselfUncredited cameo as himself in a Star Wars-themed comedy; brief appearance nodding to his iconic role.
2015Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force AwakensChewbaccaFinal on-screen performance as Chewbacca, shared with body double Joonas Suotamo for action; focused on emotional scenes with reduced physical strain.
2016Killer InkUncle ClydeSupporting role in a low-budget horror thriller; voice dubbed in post-production, marking his last film credit.

Television credits

Peter Mayhew's television work largely built upon his iconic role as from the franchise, featuring in , variety shows, and guest spots that extended the character's presence to broadcast formats. His appearances often involved promotional sketches or crossovers, highlighting the 's popularity in episodic and holiday programming. Mayhew's verified television credits, presented chronologically, include the following:
YearTitleRoleNotes
1977Donny & Marie (Episode #3.1) (uncredited) in a Star Wars-themed sketch segment on the variety show, alongside as .
1978Portrayed the in this musical variety special centered on the fictional Life Day celebration, interacting with core cast members like and .
1979Hazell (Hazell and the Big Sleep)GiantGuest role in the British crime drama series.
1980 (Season 4, Episode 17: "The Stars of Star Wars")Appeared in a crossover episode with as and as , featuring comedic interactions with Muppet characters like .
1981The Tall KnightRecurring role as a ghostly knight in the children's educational series.
1985 (Season 3, Episode 3)VariousSketch appearances in the series, utilizing his height for humorous roles in surreal segments.
2004Susha (voice)Voiced the frog-like warrior character in the American dub of the anime TV special.
2010Glee (Season 2, Episode 10: "A Very Glee Christmas")Cameo in the holiday-themed musical episode, donning the costume for a festive Star Wars reference during a group performance.
2012Breaking In (Episode XIII)Himself as himself in the American , involving a plot about retrieving his costume.
In addition to these, Mayhew reprised Chewbacca in several 1980s television commercials, promoting Star Wars merchandise and tie-ins through brief, character-driven spots that aired widely on broadcast networks. He also made promotional guest appearances on late-night talk shows in the 2000s.

References

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/may/03/peter-mayhew-obituary
  2. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/peter-mayhew-dead-dies-chewbacca-star-wars-1203203816/
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/02/obituaries/peter-mayhew-chewbacca-dead.html
  4. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2019/05/03/peter-mayhew-actor-played-chewbacca-star-wars-films-obituary/
  5. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48147012
  6. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/marfan-syndrome/
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/peter-mayhew-lost-interview-chewbacca-star-wars-830668/
  8. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-03/chewbacca-actor-peter-mayhew-dies-star-wars/11076176
  9. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/peter-mayhew-lost-interview-chewbacca-star-wars-830668/
  10. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/george-lucas-star-wars-chewbacca-peter-mayhew-a-gentle-giant-1207759/
  11. https://deadline.com/2019/05/peter-mayhew-dead-george-lucas-kathleen-kennedy-remember-star-wars-chewbacca-actor-1202606639/
  12. https://ew.com/movies/2019/05/02/peter-mayhew-remembered-how-he-said-goodbye-to-playing-chewbacca/
  13. https://time.com/5584798/peter-mayhew-joonas-suotamo/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0562679/
  15. https://fancons.com/guests/bio/493/peter-mayhew
  16. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/05/star-wars-chewbacca-peter-mayhew-joonas-suotoma
  17. https://abc7.com/post/chewbacca-actor-peter-mayhew-dead-at-74/5282853/
  18. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/peter-mayhew
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/24343-peter-mayhew
  20. https://books.google.com/books/about/Growing_Up_Giant.html?id=4spbywAACAAJ
  21. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment-general/2011/11/actor_peter_mayhew_discusses_b.html
  22. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12993502-my-favorite-giant
  23. https://books.google.com/books/about/My_Favorite_Giant.html?id=4VIdAgAAQBAJ
  24. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10756446-growing-up-giant
  25. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/peter-mayhew-star-wars-chewbacca-dead-age-74-830680/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0562679/bio/
  27. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/boyd-neighbors-remember-chewbacca-actor-peter-mayhew-the-gentle-giant-who-lived-among-them/247923/
  28. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-angie-mayhew-death-b2312704.html
  29. https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/peter-mayhew-star-wars-actor-and-naturalized-texan-dies-at-age-74/
  30. https://www.mayhewfoundation.org/
  31. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/oct/18/news3
  32. https://www.fosters.com/story/entertainment/2005/10/18/star-wars-actor-becomes/53167899007/
  33. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/star-wars-chewbacca-actor-has-surgery-on-knees/
  34. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/star-wars-actor-peter-mayhew-passes-age-74/story?id=62791980
  35. https://ew.com/movies/2019/05/02/peter-mayhew-tributes-mark-hamill-joonas-suotamo/
  36. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/new-star-wars-chewbacca-pays-tribute-original-chewie-peter-mayhew-1208279/
  37. https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/fans-pay-tribute-peter-mayhew-chewbacca-fan-expo-dallas/
  38. https://jerseyeveningpost.com/morenews/uknews/2019/05/03/fans-at-star-wars-festivals-pay-tribute-to-chewbacca-star-peter-mayhew/
  39. https://www.starwars.com/news/peter-mayhew
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/10/peter-mayhew-star-wars-chewbacca-remembered-at-oscars-ceremony
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141897/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448182/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1642248/
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0564369/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0598540/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0653206/
  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081847/
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405196/
  50. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-16046421
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2166413/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0562679/bio
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