Rest in peace. Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew died at age 74 on Tuesday, April 30, from a heart condition his family confirmed via Twitter on Thursday, May 2.
“The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019, with his family by his side in his North Texas home,” a tweet read.
The popular actor — who was once in a wheelchair for his bum knee — played Chewbacca (“Chewie”) in all three films of the Star Wars trilogy as well as in The Revenge of the Sith and The Force Awakens.
The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
“He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock-kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth,” his family said. “But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”
Peter is survived by his wife and his three children, who are asking that fans donate to the Peter Mayhew foundation in his honor.
