Remembering A Star Wars Legend
Star Wars Day may be tomorrow and the California Legislature may have declared it an actual day of celebration, but there is some sad news that comes along with it this year.
Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca, has died, according to his agent. Mayhew, 74, died on April 30 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.
According to a statement from his family, the Hollywood icon played Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, episode 3 of the prequels and the New Trilogy.
Despite having to use a wheelchair because of a bad knee, Mayhew was passionate about his role in Star Wars, standing straight and tall to portray everybody’s favorite Wookie once more in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” He even consulted on “The Last Jedi” to help teach his successor.
“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,” Mayhew’s family said, as reported by CNN. “But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”
A memorial service for friends and family will be held on June 29. In December, there will be a memorial in Los Angeles for fans. Mark Hamill, who played uke Skywalker in the original trilogy, tweeted out a heartfelt message in remembrance of Mayhew.
“He was the gentlest of giants,” said Mark Hamill, tweeted. “A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I’m grateful for the memories we shared & I’m a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
