Peter Mayhew | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Members of the Star Wars family are speaking out to pay tribute to the late Peter Mayhew after he passed away this week.

The actor originated the role of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films and now his colleagues from the franchise are remembering his legacy.

Star Wars creator George Lucas and actors Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill are among those who have released statements so far.

It was revealed that Peter passed away this week at the age of 74 after he suffered a heart attack at home. We continue to send our thoughts and condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Click inside to read statements from the Star Wars family… More Here! »

Peter Mayhew, best known for originating the role of Chewbecca in the Star Wars movies, sadly passed away this week and his cause of death has been revealed.

The actor passed away on Tuesday (April 30) at the age of 74 after he suffered a heart attack, according to The Blast.

Peter had no known heart issues before the incident and his family performed CPR while waiting 20-30 minutes for the ambulance to arrive.

“The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home,” his family said in a statement released on Twitter.

We send our thoughts and condolences to all of Peter‘s loved ones.

Peter Mayhew has sadly died.

The actor, best known for originating the role of Chewbacca in 1977′s Star Wars, passed away at 74, his official Twitter account confirmed on Thursday (May 2).

“The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home,” the account shared.

Peter played Chewbacca in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith and The Force Awakens.

There will be a memorial service for friends and family on June 29, and in early December, there will be a memorial for fans set up with his family in attendance, as well as personal effects and collection at EmpireConLA. He is survived by his wife Angie and three children.

Our thoughts are with Peter‘s loved ones at this difficult time.

Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill pose for a cute photo with Peter Mayhew while reuniting at the 2017 Star Wars Celebration on Thursday afternoon (April 13) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The actors played the roles of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca, respectively, in the film franchise.

Also in attendance for the “40 Years of Star Wars” panel were Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), and Warwick Davis (Wicket), along with director George Lucas and producer Kathleen Kennedy.

Carrie Fisher‘s daughter Billie Lourd made an appearance for the panel’s finale to pay tribute to her late mother. Legendary composer John Williams conducted the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra while they played “Leia’s Theme” during the touching moment.

Harrison Ford suits up for the big premiere of his blockbuster movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens held at Leicester Square on Wednesday evening (December 16) in London, England.

The 73-year-old actor was joined by his co-stars Carrie Fisher, Simon Pegg, Peter Mayhew, and Mark Hamill, in addition to writer George Lucas and director J.J. Abrams.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Harrison Ford

Don’t forget – Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is getting rave reviews, officially hits theaters on December 18!

25+ pics inside of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and more at the London premiere…More Here! »

Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, and Oscar Isaac share a laugh with each other while heading onto the R2-D2 ANA Jet on Tuesday (December 15) in Los Angeles.

Almost the full cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens – including Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, and Peter Mayhew – along with director JJ Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy took a flight to London for the movie’s upcoming premiere there.

ANA, Japan’s largest airline, created a custom airplane just for the occasion and it looks super cool!

Make sure to watch the awesome video of the Star Wars cast singing the theme song a capella alongside Jimmy Fallon.

50+ pictures inside of the cast boarding the plane… More Here! »

Harrison Ford is all smiles on the red carpet for Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere on Monday (December 14) in Hollywood.

The 73-year-old was accompanied by wife Calista Flockhart at the star-studded event. Harrison plays Han Solo in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams and George Lucas also snapped a photo together on the carpet. George was there to lend his support to the newest director of his former franchise.

Also in attendance were former cast members Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew, as well as new co-star Andy Serkis. Mark played Luke Skywalker and Peter played Chewbacca in the original films.

30+ pictures inside of Harrison Ford and others at the premiere…More Here! »