Chewbacca Actor br Peter Mayhew Dead at 74 Mayhew, known for his role as the iconic Wookie in the 'Star Wars' series, died at his North Texas home on Tuesday. He family confirmed the news in a statement on Twitter. @thewookieroars, via Twitter No cause of death has been released. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mayhew had undergone spinal surgery in the summer. The 7-foot-3 London br native portrayed br Han Solo's furry sidekick br in the original trilogy as well as 2005's 'Revenge of the Sith' and br 'The Force Awakens' in 2015. His fellow 'Star Wars' cast members shared tributes.