Who doesn’t love Chewbacca? Yes, even in the Holiday Special. Peter Mayhew will be best remembered as Chewie in the Star Wars films more than any other role he played during his lifetime. He was the only person I knew who was taller than my husband – Mayhew clocked in at 7 feet 3 inches. He was a kind soul and a huge flirt and the Star Wars family and community feels a loss that is as gigantic as he was.
His acting career started in 1976, when he was featured in a British newspaper article about people with huge feet (Oh, UK). From this, he was chosen to play the Minotaur in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger later that year.
George Lucas liked the cut of his jib and hunted him down at King’s College Hospital, where he was a radiologist, and offered him the part of Chewbacca. “All you need to do is stand up.” so the story goes Lucas told Mayhew.
Star Wars wasn’t all Mayhew did. He played an alternate universe version of himself on Identity and did a good amount of voice work, most famously as Susha in DragonBall GT: A Hero’s Legacy
Since pretty much nobody thought Star Wars would be a hit, Mayhew took on the supporting role of a mechanic in the movie Terror.
But Star Wars DID take off, and Mayhew found himself playing Chewbacca everywhere from The Star Wars Holiday Special, to The Clone Wars, to visits to sick fans in the hospital. He very happily played the role for years, making tireless visits to conventions and fan meetings worldwide. He was a very generous person when it came to time with his fans. He made you feel like you were the only person on earth when you talked with him. I’m lucky enough to know this firsthand.
Unfortunately, his health began to suffer, and when it was time to film The Force Awakens, he took on his own apprentice, Joonas Suotamo. He played Chewie sitting down and standing, and Suotamo played him walking around and in other action sequences. With Mayhew’s blessing, Suotamo took over the role completely and Mayhew was credited as “Chewbacca Consultant”.
Mayhew, who had moved to Texas and gained citizenship in the United States, lived with his beloved wife Angie until his death on April 30.
He never got a medal, but he won all of our hearts. May the Force Be With You, Peter Mayhew…and thank you.
