Notable comedian and actor Peter Mayhew was born on May 19, 1944. While Peter Mayhew was not a traditional comedian, he brought joy and humor to millions through his portrayal of Chewbacca, the beloved Wookiee from the “Star Wars” franchise. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches tall, Mayhew’s height helped him land the role that he would become most known for.
Born in Barnes, London, Mayhew worked as a hospital orderly when he was discovered by film producer Charles H. Schneer. Though he had no previous acting experience, his unique physique made him an ideal choice for roles requiring unusually tall actors. This led him to “Star Wars” in 1977.
As Chewbacca, Mayhew provided comic relief through his expressive physicality and the character’s unique growls and roars, which were created using various animal sounds. Although Chewbacca did not speak a human language, Mayhew’s performance helped the character convey a range of emotions, often serving as a humorous contrast to the more serious moments in the “Star Wars” films.
Peter Mayhew reprised his role as Chewbacca in several “Star Wars” films and made numerous appearances at fan conventions. His towering presence and good-natured humor endeared him to fans around the world.
Mayhew passed away on April 30, 2019, but his contributions to the world of film and comedy continue to be celebrated. So, on this day, we commemorate the birth and career of Peter Mayhew, a man who used humor and warmth to bring a galaxy far, far away a little closer to home.