Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew has sadly passed away at the age of 74. The 7ft 3in actor, who played Chewbacca the Wookiee in the Star Wars film franchise, passed away at his home in Texas surrounded by family, according to a statement they released.
Taking to Twitter, the family posted a photo of a loving statement about the actor on Peter's account, with a caption that read, '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.'
Although they have not disclosed any more details around his death, it has been reported that he suffered from a heart condition. His co-star Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the films, led tributes to his colleague on Twitter.
Sharing a series of pictures of himself and Peter together, he wrote, '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 #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken.'
Their co-star Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo - Chewbacca's companion, also released a statement on Twitter via journalist Ryan Parker. It read, 'Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character.
'These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. 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.'
He continued, 'Chewbacca was an important part of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my friend...'
London-born Peter played Han's sidekick Chewie in the original three Star Wars films, and reprised his role for the third film in the later series - Revenge of the Sith, in 2005. He also played the Wookiee in the 2015 film The Force Awakens.
He remained a part of the Star Wars family by training and mentoring his replacement Joonas Suotamo for the 2017 film The Last Jedi, and also the Han Solo origin film Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018. He was credited as Chewbacca Consultant for both films.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.