From Justin Trudeau to Harrison Ford: Tributes pour in for Star Wars' Peter Mayhew
English actor Peter Mayhew, best known for portraying the loyal Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, died at the age of 74.
The actor passed away in his North Texas home in the company of his family, and celebrities and fans and celebrities have been posting their tributes on twitter.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will always be a favourite for generations to come:
Star Wars wouldn’t have been the same without Peter Mayhew as the loyal and lovable Chewbacca, and he will always be a favourite for generations of kids & kids at heart. Rest easy, Peter. pic.twitter.com/psEok9fzcq
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 3, 2019
Harrison Ford said: "Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character.
"These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him.
He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience.
"Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them.
"I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest, easy my dear friend..."
So sorry to hear the news that the great Peter Mayhew has passed away. His portrayal of Chewbacca in the #StarWars universe was humorous, heartfelt and tough - all at the same time. He will be missed. My condolences to Angie and all his family. May the Force Be With You Always! pic.twitter.com/pVrwn6nxHf
— Stephen Stanton (@Stephen_Stanton) May 3, 2019
Actor and comedian John Fugelsang shared this picture Mayhew shot of Carrie Fischer and 11-year-old Warwick Davis on set of the Jedi:
Peter Mayhew shot this lovely portrait of Carrie Fisher & 11 year-old Warwick Davis on the set of Jedi. pic.twitter.com/kHifwC9pzT
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) May 3, 2019
Even the Oscars paid tribute:
Best co-pilot in the galaxy. Thank you for all that you’ve given us, Peter Mayhew. pic.twitter.com/xOKOBPjneN
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) May 3, 2019
Sad to hear of Peter Mayhew's passing. So long, Chewie, may the force be with you.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 2, 2019
Star Wars creator George Lucas said: "Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookie: big heart, gentle nature... and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend and I'm saddened by his passing."
Very sad news. Just think — you never saw his face, you never heard him speak. Yet we all knew Chewie’s personality and quirks. What a talent. https://t.co/82wdXb1fSO
— Antony Johnston (@antonyjohnston elsewhere, too) (@AntonyJohnston) May 2, 2019
Peter Mayhew-Star Wars icon, a pleasure to have met U in 2015 in Dublin - Ireland, May the force be with you chewwy.@IrishSunOnline @IrishTimes @irishexaminer @IrishMirror @IsFearrAnStar @thejournal_ie @irishdailymail @Independent_ie @HeraldNewsdesk @buzzdotie @EVOKE @stevehpix pic.twitter.com/4mnaELxoxX
— Irish Photodesk (@irishphotodesk) May 3, 2019
