Peter Mayhew, who became known to ... (1977) — and was working as a hospital orderly when he tried out for the part of Chewbacca. He got the role based on his physique, ...

FILE PHOTO - Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca, arrives at the European Premiere of Star Wars, The Force Awakens in Leicester Square, London, December 16, 2015. REUTERS/Paul Hackett By Lisa ...

Peter Mayhew, the British-born actor best known for portraying the gentle giant Chewbacca in the “Star Wars” movie franchise, died on Tuesday at his home in North Texas. He was 74.

Mayhew, a native of London, played the role in the original "Star Wars" trilogy in 1977, 1980 and 1983 and reprised the character in "Revenge of the Sith," in 2005, and "The Force Awakens," in 2015.

As Chewbacca, known to his friends as Chewie, the 7-foot-3 Mayhew was a fierce warrior with a soft heart, loyal sidekick to Harrison Ford's Han Solo, and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon.

"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 ...

On Wednesday, astronaut Nick Hague tweeted a photo of Mayhew, who died April 30, with Earth in the background. "Honoring Peter Mayhew (also known as Chewbacca) up here on @Space_Station," Hague wrote.

Peter Mayhew left 'Star Wars' memorabilia behind when he moved from the U.K. Now, 24 years later, the items appear to be finding their way home. ... His 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, ...

Peter Mayhew, who became known to fans worldwide as the lovable Wookiee Chewbacca in the 'Star Wars' galaxy of films, died Tuesday. He was 74.

Peter Mayhew at the premiere of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" in 2017. ... From there, he was cast in the 1977 film “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger," and “Star Wars" not long after that.

— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019. Born in leafy Surrey, England, the towering Mayhew played the hirsute Chewbacca character from 1977 to 2015, ...

Peter Mayhew, the towering actor who donned a huge, furry costume to give life to the rugged and beloved character of Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and two other films, died ...