Peter Mayhew’s biography tells the remarkable story of a British-American actor best known for his iconic role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars film series. Born on May 19, 1944, in Barnes, Surrey, Mayhew’s towering presence and gentle nature won him the role that would define his career. From his first appearance in the original Star Wars in 1977 to his final portrayal in The Force Awakens in 2015, Mayhew brought Chewbacca to life in a way that captured the hearts of millions.
Biography Summary
Peter William Mayhew, born on May 19, 1944, and passing on April 30, 2019, was a renowned British-American actor. His most celebrated role was that of Chewbacca, the iconic character from the Star Wars film series. Mayhew brought Chewbacca to life in all his live-action appearances, from the series’ inception in 1977 to The Force Awakens in 2015, after which he retired from the role.
Early Life
Peter Mayhew entered the world in Barnes, Surrey, on May 19, 1944. Diagnosed with gigantism at the tender age of 8, Mayhew also lived with a genetic tissue disorder known as Marfan syndrome. His towering stature reached a peak height of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m).1
Career
Early Career
Peter Mayhew’s entry into acting came about uniquely when the producers of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) spotted him in a newspaper article featuring men with large feet. This exposure led to his casting as the Minoton in the film.
Star Wars
During the original Star Wars (1977) casting, director George Lucas sought a tall actor to portray the character of Chewbacca, a large, hairy alien. Initially considering 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 m) bodybuilder David Prowse for the role, Prowse opted to play Darth Vader instead. This decision opened the door for Peter Mayhew, who was then working as a healthcare assistant at Mayday University Hospital in Thornton Heath, Croydon, Surrey. Mayhew learned of the casting call for Star Wars, which was being filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Standing 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) tall, Mayhew was cast as Chewbacca immediately after he stood to greet Lucas during their meeting. His towering stature and deep voice made him the perfect choice for the iconic Wookiee character. He continued his hospital work while filming the original Star Wars trilogy.
Mayhew drew inspiration for his portrayal of Chewbacca by observing the behaviors of bears, monkeys, and gorillas at the London Zoo. Lucas has remarked that Mayhew was “the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature, and I learned always to let him win.” Chewbacca’s vocalizations were created from recordings of animal sounds, as the character did not speak lines in the human language.
Peter Mayhew reprised the role of Chewbacca in five Star Wars films: the original trilogy (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He also portrayed Chewbacca in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special and made a 1980 appearance on The Muppet Show, in addition to voicing the character in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3 finale episode “Wookiee Hunt.”
Beyond the films, Mayhew participated in commercials and hospital visits to children like Chewbacca, earning widespread admiration for these efforts. His portrayal of Chewbacca was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Film Awards in 1997.
I think that Star Wars revolutionized not only sci-fi movies, but also the entire industry in the way that things are done.
Peter Mayhew
Mayhew also made other media appearances, including on NBC’s Identity, where his role was linked to his identity as Chewbacca, and as a frequent early guest on Slice of SciFi.
While Mayhew returned as Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he served as a “Chewbacca Consultant” for Star Wars: The Last Jedi due to health issues, not acting in the film itself. Joonas Suotamo shared the portrayal of Chewbacca with Mayhew in The Force Awakens and took over the role entirely in later films. Mayhew retired from the role after his health declined.
Other Work
Beyond his iconic role in Star Wars, Peter Mayhew explored other acting opportunities. He appeared in the 1978 horror film Terror, directed by Norman J. Warren. His voice acting skills were showcased in the English version of Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy, where he provided the voice for the character Susha. Additionally, Mayhew took part in the film Yesterday Was a Lie.2
Published Books
Peter Mayhew authored two books aimed at younger readers. Growing Up Giant encourages embracing uniqueness, presenting it as a strength rather than a weakness. He also wrote My Favorite Giant, a book dedicated to addressing and preventing bullying among children.
Personal Life
Peter Mayhew settled in Wheathead Lane, Keighley, Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1987. He invested in and worked at a timber yard located just over the City of Bradford border in South Craven, North Yorkshire. He also became a supporter of the Keighley Rugby Union Football Club.
In 1999, Mayhew married Mary Angelique “Angie” Luker, originally from Texas. The couple made their home in Boyd, Texas, where Mayhew had moved in 2000. He became a stepfather to Angie’s three children. Angie was later appointed to lead his namesake charity, the Peter Mayhew Foundation.
Mayhew became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2005 during a ceremony in Arlington, Texas.3 In an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he humorously noted that he didn’t receive a medal at the ceremony, referencing the Star Wars scene where Chewbacca is notably left without a medal. However, in an MTV interview, he mentioned that while Chewbacca might not have received a medal in the film, he did have the final line of dialogue with his iconic roar.
Health challenges led Mayhew to undergo double knee replacement surgery in 2013, having used a wheelchair full-time for the two years prior and continuing to rely on it during the filming of The Force Awakens. In July 2018, he shared on Twitter that he had undergone successful spinal surgery to improve his mobility and was recovering.
Death
Mayhew passed away from a heart attack on April 30, 2019, at his home in Boyd, Texas, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Reno, Parker County, Texas, at the Azleland Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
Final Reflections
Peter Mayhew’s success story is one of talent, perseverance, and kindness. His portrayal of Chewbacca in Star Wars left an indelible mark on popular culture, earning him a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. As we reflect on Peter Mayhew’s biography, it is clear that his legacy extends beyond the screen and is remembered for his remarkable performances and generous spirit.
Reference List for Peter Mayhew’s Biography
- Liptak, Andrew. “Peter Mayhew, the Actor Who Brought Chewbacca to Life, Has Died.” The Verge, 2 May 2019. ↩︎
- Chilton, Martin. “Ewoks, Sex Dolls and Comedy: What Happened to the Star Wars Cast.” The Daily Telegraph, 4 May 2011. ↩︎
- “Chewbacca Actor to Become an American.” Today, 14 October 2016. ↩︎
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