CHEWBACCA star Peter Mayhew, who famously portrayed the character in the Star Wars franchise, has died aged 74.
The legendary Hollywood actor , who played the role in five films, passed away with family and friends close by his side.
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When did the Chewbacca star die and what was his cause of death?
Peter’s family revealed that the actor died of a heart attack on April 30, 2019.
He was surrounded by close family members and friends at his home in Boyd, North Texas.
Peter, who was born on May 19, 1944, was 74 years old.
His family posted on social media: “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.”
On July 2018, the entertainer had undergone spinal surgery to improve his mobility.
The Hollywood star had been battling health problems for several years, even while he was shooting scenes for The Force Awakens.
His family revealed that he fought back from being wheelchair bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
It would be the last time that Peter reprised the role of Chewbacca; a character he first played in the Star Wars trilogy from 1977 through 1983, and again in 2005’s Revenge Of The Sith.
How did his co-stars react to his death?
Mark Hamill, who played the role of Luke Skywalker, was one of the first cast members to share his condolences via social media.
“A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile and a loyal friend who I loved dearly,” the actor shared in a heartfelt message via Twitter.
Star Wars creator George Lucas shared some of his favourite moments with the man he’d known for well over 40 years saying “Peter was a wonderful man”.
Lucas added: “He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend and I’m saddened by his passing.”
Harrison Ford, most known for his portrayal of smuggler Han Solo, expressed how Peter had “great dignity and noble character”.
He said: “We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him.
“He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience.
“Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all.”
