Peter Mayhew, Actor Who Portrayed Chewbacca In 'Star Wars' Movies, Dies At Age 74
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Peter Mayhew, the actor who portrayed the "Star Wars" character Chewbacca, died Tuesday.
Mayhew passed away at his Texas home at age 74.
His family posted the news on Mayhew's official Facebook page Thursday afternoon.
Mayhew made multiple appearances at Steel City Con in Monroeville throughout the years.
The 2015 movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" marked Mayhew's last appearance as Chewbacca.
Actor Joonas Suotamo, a Penn State graduate, took over the role for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."
R.I.P ?? pic.twitter.com/FWRgaOS0Tf
— Joonas Suotamo (@JoonasSuotamo) May 2, 2019
Suotamo tweeted Thursday that was "devastated to hear about the passing of a dear friend and mentor."