Remembering Peter Mayhew
Entertainment Weekly|May 17 - 24, 2019

The English-American actor brought a signature physicality to Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, a role less about face and more about roar.

Anthony Breznican
Remembering Peter Mayhew

CHEWBACCA DID NOT GET HIS WARMTH from the fur. Peter Mayhew’s 7-foot-3-inch frame gave the towering Wookiee a loping gait and intimidating presence, but the actor’s puppy-dog sweetness also emanated through the layers of yak hair to give personality to one of the most famous alien creatures in movie history.

The Star Wars mainstay, who died at age 74 on April 30, retired from the role due to knee troubles and declining health, but he did reprise Chewie one last time for 2015’s The Force Awakens. He spoke extensively with EW before the movie opened in December that year.

“I’m happy to be back here with Episode VII, with Han and all the old guys, as well as the newer stars,” Mayhew said of Han Solo actor Harrison Ford and his co-workers.

This story is from the May 17 - 24, 2019 edition of Entertainment Weekly.

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This story is from the May 17 - 24, 2019 edition of Entertainment Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.