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(Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The man known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, Peter Mayhew, has passed away. He was 74.

Mayhew's family made the announcement on Twitter and said, "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."


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

Mayhew played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy that began in 1977. He also played him once again in 2005's Episode III and once again in 2015's "The Force Awakens".

In a release from the family, they said Mayhew was wheelchair bound before "The Force Awakens" but was able to rehab and play him one more time before retiring.

Mayhew was also on the set for Star Wars Episode VIII and helped actor Joonas Suotamo (the man who was Mayhew's stunt double in "The Force Awakens) take over the role of the iconic Wookie.

The 7 feet 2 inch actor was born in England in 1944 and became an American citizen in 2005.