Remembering The Late Star Wars Actor

Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars films, has passed away at age 74. Friends and family, as well as famous co-stars like Harrison Ford, are publicly celebrating the actor’s life and accomplishments, on set and off.

“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character,” Ford said in a public statement. “We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience. Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all.”

Shortly after his death, Mayhew’s family posted their own open letter on the actor’s Twitter account, thanking fans for their support.

“The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He passed the evening of April 30 with his family by his side in his North Texas home,” the statement said.

The family also announced there will be a private funeral in June, followed by a celebration of Mayhew’s life in Los Angeles in early December. The memorial in Los Angeles will include Mayhew’s “personal effects” and items from the actor’s private collection.