Watch CBS News

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.

US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-CINEMA-SOLO
Actor Peter Mayhew, who played the original Chewbacca, arrives for the premiere of the film 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' in Hollywood, California on May 10, 2018. (Photo Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

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."

Suotamo tweeted Thursday that was "devastated to hear about the passing of a dear friend and mentor."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.