Peter Mayhew
His towering frame and gentle soul gave physical life to one of cinema's most beloved non-human characters, Chewbacca.
1944–2019 (age 75)·British-American actor·Birthday: May 19·The Silent Generation
Biography
Peter Mayhew was a hospital orderly in London when a chance encounter with a film producer, who spotted his remarkable 7-foot-3-inch stature, catapulted him into a galaxy far, far away. Cast as Chewbacca in George Lucas's 'Star Wars,' Mayhew didn't just wear a costume; he imbued the Wookiee with a distinct, hulking grace and a deeply expressive physicality that communicated loyalty, frustration, and warmth without a single intelligible word. For nearly four decades, he returned to the role, his performance becoming the definitive portrayal across five major films. Off-screen, Mayhew was known for his patient generosity with fans, understanding that he was the human conduit to a character that meant so much to so many. His legacy is etched not in lines of dialogue, but in the growls and gestures of a furry co-pilot who became a cultural touchstone.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Peter was born in 1944, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Peter Was Born
The biggest hits of 1944
#1 Movie
Going My Way
Best Picture
Going My Way
Peter's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1944Born
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1949Started school
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1957Became a teenager
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1960Could drive
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1962Could vote
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1965Turned 21
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1974Turned 30
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 40
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 50
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 60
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 70
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2019Died at 75
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Chewbacca in five Star Wars feature films, from the original 1977 movie to 2015's 'The Force Awakens.'
- Provided the physical performance that defined Chewbacca's movements and mannerisms for generations of audiences.
- Authored a memoir, 'Growing Up Giant,' detailing his unique journey to Hollywood.
- Served as a dedicated ambassador for Star Wars fans, known for his lengthy and gracious appearances at conventions.
Did You Know?
He was discovered for the role of Chewbacca after a newspaper photo of him, taken while he worked at a hospital, caught the eye of a film producer.
Due to his height, he required specially modified cars to drive.
He became a naturalized United States citizen in 2005.
The sound designers for Star Wars created Chewbacca's vocalizations by blending bear, walrus, lion, and badger sounds.
“I am Chewbacca. This is the role that will be on my tombstone.”
