RIP Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)

https://www.starwars.com/news/peter-mayhew

Peter played Chewbacca, or “Chewie,” a towering, hairy Wookiee, in every Star Wars film from 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope to 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Standing 7 feet 3 inches tall, Mayhew’s Chewbacca was an imposing sight, and through body language alone, he could convey anger, curiosity, and delight. Alongside Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, one of film’s most iconic duos was born.

“Chewie transformed me,” Peter once said of acting in the costume. “The attitude was different. The walk was different. Do the scenes, come back, take the mask off, Peter was back.”
“We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew’s passing,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “Since 1976, Peter’s iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character’s success, and to the Star Wars saga itself. When I first met Peter during The Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature. Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skillful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory.”

I was really bummed to read about this yesterday.  First Princess Lea and now Chewie.

I didn't realize he wasn't in Solo until I saw a clip about the guy who played Chewie in it.

MikeInFla wrote:

I didn't realize he wasn't in Solo until I saw a clip about the guy who played Chewie in it.

I read a short article about the guy playing Chewie now, he said at 7'-0" he was a little too short for the part and had to wear heels!    He said something along the lines of it being the first time he was ever "too short" for anything.

I am glad he got to finish filming for the new Star Wars film.

I had no idea he was really that tall. I just assumed they used stilts or movie magic.

There are some neat older photos showing the original cast out of costume and it really highlights their height differences.  Carrie Fisher was quite short.  Peter Mayhew (Chewie) is in the back of this photo, and the guy in the glasses is David Prowse who played Darth Vader in the first three movies.  Of course the "little guy" up front is Kenny Baker who was in the R2 costume for several of the films.

David Prowse used to be a body builder.  He helped Christopher Reeve bulk up for his role has Superman.  Therefore, Darth Vader is Superman's personal trainer.

)Staybrite wrote:

I was really bummed to read about this yesterday.  First Princess Lea and now Chewie.

BTW, Kenny Baker (R2D2) has passed on too.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Baker_(English_actor)

In memory of Peter

I put this together recently. Guess I could add several more, but these are some characters from IV

That makes me want to cry!!!