Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca in the ‘Star Wars’ films, dies at 74

Courtesy Photo LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Mayhew, the towering actor who donned a huge, furry costume to give life to the rugged-and-beloved character of Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and two other films, has died, his family said Thursday. Mayhew died at his home in north Texas on Tuesday, according to a family statement. He was 74. No cause was given. As Chewbacca, known to his friends as Chewie, the 7-foot-3 Mayhew was a fierce warrior with a soft heart, loyal sidekick to Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon. Mayhew went on to