Peter Mayhew, the original Chewbacca in the blockbuster 'Star Wars' movies, has died.
Actor Peter Mayhew, who played the original Chewbacca, arrives for the premiere of the film 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' in Hollywood, California on May 10, 2018.LOS ANGELES - Actor Peter Mayhew, who won over fans worldwide as the Wookiee warrior Chewbacca in the blockbuster"Star Wars" movies, has died at the age of 74, his family announced on Thursday.
The towering British-born actor, who was the son of a policeman, measured seven feet three inches and was working as a hospital attendant in London when he was discovered by film producer Charles Schneer.But he then was cast in the role that would define his career -- as the co-pilot and best friend of Han Solo in the original"Star Wars" film released in 1977.
"In George's office, he had a sofa," he said, referring to"Star Wars" creator George Lucas."So I sat down on the sofa waiting for him to come in through the door. He and Gary Kurtz walked in. Mayhew's family said he had"fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'," which was released in 2015.As news of Mayhew's death became public, tributes began to pour in on social media, including from several of his"Star Wars" co-stars and Lucas himself.
Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the iconic films, described Mayhew as the"gentlest of giants -- A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly."
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