Fans and actors from the Star Wars franchise have been mourning the death of Peter Mayhew, who passed away on 30th April at his home in North Texas surrounded by his family.

 

He played the Wookie in the original trilogy that began in 1977, as well as in episode III, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens. He didn’t play the role in the latest film, The Last Jedi, but was on set to provide tips and advice to the new actor, Joonas Suatamo.

With ‘May 4th be with you’ celebrating all things Star Wars tomorrow, it’s likely fans will pay their respects to Mayhew, remembering him as everyone’s favourite Wookie. The Jedi Robe Star Wars shop in Northolt, London told WNOL how Peter Mayhew impacted the Star Wars franchise saying “it’s a sad day” for the community.

Many stars including Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), JJ Abrams, who directed The Force Awakens and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), have been paying tribute to Mayhew, who his family say “put his heart and sole into the role of Chewbacca”. He is survived by his wife, Angie Mayhew, and their three children.