It is with sad heart today that we report on the passing of a movie icon. Star Wars star Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca passed away at his home in North Texas yesterday surrounded by his family. Mayhew’s family released a statement on his Twitter account to announce the sad news yesterday.

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. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u

— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019

Mayhew played Chewbacca in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens. After his health wouldn’t allow him to keep playing the role he became a coach for the new Chewbacca actor Joonas Suatomo who played the role in The Last Jedi, Solo, and the upcoming The Rise of the Skywalker.

Mayhew always came across as a kind and humble man, who adored the Star Wars fans, and he attended many, many conventions over the years, giving fans a chance to meet one of their heroes.

Tributes have been appearing all over the web from fellow colleagues in the movie business, from Harrison Ford, George Lucas, JJ Abrams, and Rian Johnson, to the likes of William Shatner and George Takei. Peter was well liked and although I never got to meet him myself, my sister did and managed to get a signed photo with him she treasures.

Of all the tributes out there I chose the one from Mark Hamill to share with you all here.

He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 2, 2019

Farewell, Peter. It’s up to you to take care of the princess now, for all of us.

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SOURCE: The Family of Peter Mayhew (via Twitter)