Several Holllywood stars have paid tribute to Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew after his family announced his death on Tuesday evening.
Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the famous film series, passed away in his North Texas home at the age of 74.
His family praised Mayhew's "kindness generosity and care" and commitment to his fans in a statement published to Twitter.
Mayhew played the furry wookie in the original Star Wars trilogy, later reprising the role for 2005's Revenge of the Sith.
In 2015 he fought back from illness to appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He also played an active role in training his successor in the franchise.
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 Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
"He put this 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," the family wrote.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Peter Mayhew. His kind eyes made a character out of a costume and brought to life a character who had a tremendous impact on generation after generation. pic.twitter.com/nN959cG2tj
— Chris Schweizer (@schweizercomics) May 2, 2019
As the news of Mayhew's death broke, tributes to the actor began to pour on to social media. Some shared photographs of Mayhew with Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia and died in December 2016.
The @WaltDisneyCo mourns the loss of our beloved #chewbacca portrayer, #PeterMayhew. Peter was larger than life in so many ways...a gentle giant playing a gentle giant. Rest in peace.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 2, 2019
Tributes were led by Disney chief executive Rob Iger, who called Mayhew "larger than life in so many ways. A gentle giant playing a gentle giant."
Harrison Ford who starred side by side with Chewie paid tribute to the actor in a statement that read: "We were partners in film and friends for over 30 years and I loved him."
He was 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-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 2, 2019
Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker in the movie franchise, took to twitter to describe Mayhew as the "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".
Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars films, thanked Mayhew for the memories.
Much more than Chewie to me...My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend…thanks for the great memories! #RIPPeterMayhew #StarWars pic.twitter.com/0DfCo59zpG
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) May 3, 2019
Star Wars fans also took to twitter to mourn the loss of the actor so close to May 4th - a veritable holiday for devotees of the films.
Rest In Peace @TheWookieeRoars! With May the 4th in a couple of days, this is going be tough. Your love for life will be missed but you’ll be remembered forever. #Chewbacca pic.twitter.com/IediApXUZ2
— Al Rasheed (@al_rasheed) May 2, 2019
Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and their three children.
His wife will continue the work of his charitable foundation, which has supported Venezuelans during the humanitarian crisis and a range of people needing support.
