A galaxy of stars were waiting to pay tribute to ‘gentle giant’ Peter Mayhew after news of his passing on Thursday night.
Star Wars actors Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams were the first to share their sadness about the Chewbacca actor’s death, posting their fond memories from his 40 years with the franchise on Twitter.
Joonas Suotamo, the actor who continued his legacy in the Chewy suit, shared a heartwarming picture from their time on set together.
Luke Skywalker actor Mark had starred alongside Peter since 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, right up until The Force Awakens in 2015.
In a tweet, Mark said that he was ‘heartbroken’ writing: ‘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.’
Billy Dee Williams also starred alongside Peter’s Chewbacca in the early years, playing Lando Calrissian in films such as Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
The actor said Peter had been ‘Much more than Chewie to me’ and said that his ‘heart hurt’ to lose sch a ‘dear friend’.
It was the 2017 film The Last Jedi, in which Joonas stepped in to fill some pretty big shoes.
Joonas credited Peter as not only a mentor but a friend, who ‘warmly’ welcomed him aboard as a Chewbacca for the new generation.
The actor wrote: ‘Devastated to hear about the passing of my dear friend and mentor, the great Peter Mathew.
‘Peter’s warm welcome when I came abroad as his double in The Force Awakens meant so much to me. Studying the character he helped me create was always a daunting task, but one that was made easier by his tutelage and kindness as we sought to bring Chewbacca to life for a new generation. He was an absolutely one-of-a-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivalled class and I will miss him.’
Joonas said that the entire Star Wars universe was in mourning but promised that Peter’s legacy would live on.
MORE: Elton John, 70, would have loved one more child with David Furnish, 56, but thinks he’s too old now
MORE: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are expecting their third child
