Peter Mayhew, known to audiences worldwide for playing Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died at his home in North Texas, his family confirmed Thursday evening. “But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”A representative for Mayhew said the actor died following a heart attack. Chewie is a beloved character in the Star Wars universe, easily recognizable by his massive stature, guttural wail and partnership with Han Solo, the intergalactic pilot played by Harrison Ford. Mayhew, a native of London, reprised the role in 2005′s “Revenge of the Sith” and 2015′s “The Force Awakens,” expanding his reach to multiple generations of Star Wars fans. Star Wars creator George Lucas is said to have discovered Mayhew while the latter worked as an orderly in the King’s College Hospital’s radiology department.

Source: National Post May 03, 2019 13:41 UTC