Harrison Ford has led the tributes to Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew, following his death at the age of 74.
Harrison, who starred alongside Peter in the original Star Wars films, praised the British-American actor for his “great dignity and noble character”.
Peter’s family announced he had died at his home in Texas on April 30 surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement to the Press Association, Harrison said: “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.”
Harrison starred as Han Solo, the cynical smuggler and close friend of Chewbacca. Together, the pair piloted the Millennium Falcon.
He added: “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, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, shared a tribute on social media in which he described Mayhew as the “gentlest of giants”.
He said: “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 #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken”.
George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, also paid tribute. In a statement, he said: “Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature – and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend, and I’m saddened by his passing.”
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy also commented. She 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 skilful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory.”
Joonas Suotamo took over the role of Chewbacca from Peter, first as a body double in Force Awakens and later as the lead in 2017’s The Last Jedi and 2018’s A Star Wars Story.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “Devastated to hear about the passing of a dear friend and mentor, the great Peter Mayhew.
“Peter’s warm welcome when I came aboard as his double in The Force Awakens meant so much to me.
“Studying the character he helped create was always a daunting task, but one that was made easier by his tutelage and kindness as we sought to bring Chewbacca to life for a new generation.
“He was an absolutely one-of-a-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivalled class and I will miss him.
“As the entire Star Wars universe grieves over this terrible loss my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Angie and his family and all of the fans whose lives he has impacted.
“Rest assured his legacy will live on and the spirit that he gave the character when he first donned the suit will never be forgotten.”
Peter is survived by his wife, Angie, and the couple’s three children.
