Actor Peter Mayhew died April 30 surrounded by his family at his north Texas home.
Mayhew’s family announced his passing Thursday from Mayhew’s personal Twitter account, according to a post published by The Hollywood Reporter.
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
“The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away,” the account shared with a photo and a message to fans. The actor had undergone spinal surgery in July of 2018 to improve his mobility.
Mayhew was most known for his role as Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” movies. He appeared in “Star Wars,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return Of The Jedi,” “Revenge Of The Sith,” and “The Force Awakens.” (RELATED: Jon Favreau Discusses Details Of New ‘Star Wars’ Series ‘The Mandalorian’)
Before Mayhew landed the role of Chewbacca, he had been working as a hospital orderly. He had done some acting appearing in “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.” He largely got the part of Chewbacca because the role required somebody taller than Darth Vader. Mayhew stood at 7 feet, 3 inches tall.
“Chewbacca is one of the most iconic characters in the history of film, and Peter’s development and portrayal of this beloved Wookie has spread so much joy around the globe,” Joonas Suotamo, who took over Chewbacca’s role, said.