Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, and also appeared in The Force Awakens, has died, at his home in Boyd, North Texas. He was 74. His family said that he had been in poor health recently, and had undergone several surgeries in the past few years. A family statement also said that Star Wars 'meant so much more to him than a role in a film, providing him with friends and family that he would love for decades to come'. He passed away late on Monday 31st, and cause of death was given as a heart attack.

Having appeared in the original three films, as well as the infamous TV Star Wars Holiday Special ('78), and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith ('05), Mayhew, who stood 7'2”, reprised the role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens ('15), although his double, Finnish former professional basketball player Joonas Suotamo, was in the suit for the action scenes. Mayhew officially retired from the role for The Last Jedi ('17), although being retrained as a consultant for the franchise. Suotamo also played the Wookie in last year's spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Born 19th May, 1944 in Barnes, London, he was working as a porter at London's King's College Hospital when film producer Charles H. Schneer saw his photo in an article about the hospital, and offered him the uncredited role of the Minotaur in some scenes in Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger (1977), the character being mostly animated by Ray Harryhausen, but played in long shots and some close-ups by Mayhew.

He had returned to his job in the hospital when he answered a casting call for what was at the time an untitled science-fiction film needing someone very tall. Mayhew was reputedly cast because series creator George Lucas wanted the character of Chewbacca to be taller than Darth Vader, played by 6'6” David Prowse. Although the Wookie's 'voice' was dubbed in the first film, Mayhew later convinced Lucas to allow him to make the Wookie character appear more intelligent and comedic than as originally written, little more than a dangerous animal sidekick to Han Solo. Mayhew also appeared as Chewbacca in the Clone Wars animated series and '15's Star Wars: Battlefront video game. His other non-Chewbacca screen appearances include Norman J. Warren's 1978 horror pic Terror, as The Tall Knight in the TV series Dark Towers ('81), and a small role in '16's Killer Ink.

Travelling the world for Star Wars conventions and public appearances, he also became involved with the Star Wars non-profit charitable fan group The 501st Legion as well as charities including Wounded Warriors and Make-A-Wish, as well as establishing the Peter Mayhew Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing food, essential supplies and support to children and families in various crisis. He also wrote two books for children, saying both were based on personal experience, Growing Up Giant, teaching that being different is a strength not a weakness, and My Favourite Giant, which dealt with bullying.

His death provoked an number of tributes from his co-stars, Harrison Ford in The Hollywood Reporter saying 'Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience. Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend.' Mark Hamill added on Twitter, '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'.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said 'We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew's passing. Since 1976, Peter's iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character's success, and to the Star Wars saga itself. When I first met Peter during The Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature. Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skillful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory'.

J.J. Abrams, director of The Force Awakens, tweeted 'Peter was the loveliest man kind and patient, supportive and encouraging. A sweetheart to work with and already deeply missed'.

Peter Mayhew is survived by his wife and three children.