Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew: 'The character is basically a teddy bear' - video

The family of Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars franchise, announced his death on Thursday. Mayhew died on 30 Apr... thumbnail 1 summary

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The family of Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars franchise, announced his death on Thursday. Mayhew died on 30 April in his north Texas home, the statement said. Mayhew was working shifts as a hospital orderly when he was cast as Chewbacca the Wookiee in the first Star Wars film, 1977’s A New Hope. His portrayal of Han Solo's furry sidekick quickly made him a fans' favourite.