‘Star Wars’ Legend Peter Mayhew Passes Away At Age 74

Star Wars icon Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in numerous films in the franchise, has sadly passed away at the age of 75.

Peter Mayhew is a household name amongst Star Wars fans due to his legendary performances as the iconic character Chewbacca. Just days before the Star Wars holiday May the 4th arrives, Peter Mayhew has unfortunately passed away.

The sad news came from Peter Mayhew’s family via his official Twitter page. According to the post, Peter Mayhew passed away earlier this week, on April 30th. Check out the official message from the Star Wars Peter Mayhew’s family in the post below.

Peter Mayhew began his long journey as Chewbacca in 1977’s Star Wars. The actor famously played Chewbacca alongside Harrison Ford’s Han Solo from the first Star Wars film, up until 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That film marked both the last time Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca and the last time Han Solo played Harrison Ford.

Chewbacca has shown up in Star Wars films since, including Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story, as well as in this year’s Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. Since The Force Awakens, Chewbacca has been played by actor Joonas Suotamo.

Which of Peter Mayhew’s appearances as Chewbacca has been your favorite? Let us know your favorite memories of the Star Wars legend in the comment section below.

Directed by J. J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams. Carrie Fisher will appear as General Leia Organa through the use of previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be released in theaters on December 19, 2019.

Source: Twitter