Star Wars tributes to Chewbacca star Mayhew

Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew has been celebrated for portraying Chewbacca underneath “a half ton of yak hair” as tributes were paid following his death.

The film star, who was best known for playing the hairy Wookiee in five films in the hit space opera franchise, died at the age of 74 earlier this week.

Colleagues and friends of Mayhew, including directors Rian Johnson and JJ Abrams, paid tribute to the actor.

Johnson, who directed 2017’s The Last Jedi, tweeted: “RIP Peter Mayhew. To create a beloved character with warmth and humor is a testament to any actor’s spirit. To do it under a half ton of yak hair takes a true legend.”

Mayhew did not reprise his role in The Last Jedi due to ill health, although he worked as a Chewbacca consultant alongside Joonas Suotamo, who took over as the hirsute character.

In a handwritten note shared on Twitter, Abrams, who directed Mayhew in 2015’s The Force Awakens, said: “Peter was the loveliest man... kind and patient, supportive and encouraging.

“A sweetheart to work with and already deeply missed.”

Billie Lourd, the daughter of late Star Wars star Carrie Fisher, shared a number of pictures on Instagram of her mother with Mayhew from their time together working on the original films in the 1970s and 1980s.

She added no caption other than a simple love heart emoji.

John Boyega, who starred alongside Mayhew in The Force Awakens, wrote on Instagram: “The happiness you brought to my life through Chewbacca was always enough but to meet you and experience your amazing heart was even better. Rest in peace Peter.”

In a touching tribute, Mayhew’s co-star Harrison Ford said that they were “partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him”.

Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and his three children.

Peter Mayhew, left, with Harrison Ford, and as Chewbacca, right.