It’s such an odd thing when you witness entertainment industries like; sports, music, film and television – infuse divisive politics into their professions with zero regard for fans who have opposing philosophies.
Many are unapologetic about their liberal politics and they genuinely don’t care if they lose fans as a result of their progressive views.
But sometimes it’s bigger than that and not all celebrities do it. And that goes for a legendary actor who played one of the most iconic movie characters of all time.
What would you say are the most iconic movie characters of all time?
You could make the argument for many like; James Bond, Indiana Jones, Marty McFly, Doc Brown, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker or the Terminator.
Notice what all of those characters have in common?
These characters are staples in movie franchises – appearing in at least three movies.
Wouldn’t you consider “Star Wars” Chewbacca in that realm as well?
The seven-foot hair beast is one of the most mimicked impersonations of all time because he was beloved as Han Solo’s loyal sidekick with his smart-ass comebacks that weren’t in English – you know it by the way Harrison Ford played off it.
Actor Peter Mayhew played the iconic character and he has passed away at 74-years-old.
His Twitter account announced the news with, “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 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 (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
One of his survived loved ones likely tweeted the news from his personal account.
Mayhew was working as a hospital orderly when George Lucas discovered him for the 1977 smash hit “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Lucas claims he casted Mayhew in the role because he wanted Chewbacca to be taller than the franchise’s main villain, Darth Vader.
You might be surprised to learn that Mayhew did not provide the voice of the couple hundred years old Wookie. Instead, the sound designer Ben Burtt provided , but that has no relevance on how Mayhew nailed the body language and expressive eyes of Chewbacca. Mayhew nailed it.
Upon hearing the news of Mayhew’s passing, Suotamo wrote, “Chewbacca is one of the most iconic characters in the history of film, and Peter’s development and portrayal of this beloved Wookie has spread so much joy around the globe. Peter’s guidance and kindness have been invaluable gifts which warmed my spirit and prepared me for this journey. I aspire to make Peter proud and bring Star Wars fans the Chewie they know and love.”
If you were to compile a list of the top one hundred characters in film then Chewie would certainly pop up on that list somewhere.
Although Mayhew’s biggest claim to fame was portraying Chewbacca, he also played a minotaur in “Sinbad and the Eye of the tiger” and The Tall Knight in the 1981 “Dark Towers,” series.
If you asked around Hollywood about his character as an individual then there would be nothing but praise.
Mayhew will be sorely missed.
