Peter Mayhew, the man who not only inhabited the costume of the mighty Chewbacca but became his heart and soul, has passed away.
We are so very sad to have to inform you all that Peter Mayhew who was Chewbacca in the Star Wars films passed away last night at his home in Texas.
Peter was a real gentle giant and a very quiet, shy and beautiful person!
The Chewbacca role was more Peter playing himself on screen and the question of how much of Peter is Chewie and how much of Chewie is Peter will never be worked out as they really were one and the same.
Peter loved playing Chewbacca as he could put away his shyness and become a roaring Wookiee when he needed to be.
Ian cared about how Peter portrayed Chewie and understood that Chewie was Peter and so he watched him and learned to become Peter as Chewie.
Peter felt that the character was safe for future generations of Star Wars fans with Ian’s insight and care. »