The man who gave life to the mighty Chewbacca for many years has passed away at the age of 74. RIP Peter Mayhew

We’re very sad to report that Peter Mayhew, best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, has passed away at the age of 74.

According to various outlets, Mayhew died on Tuesday at his home in North Texas with family members by his side. The actor’s official Twitter account shared the news moments ago.

Mayhew debuted as the beloved Wookiee in George Lucas’ original Star Wars movie, and reprised the role for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens. He also served as a consultant on The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story after Joonas Suotamo took over as Chewbacca in 2015.

Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and his three children.

May the Force be with you, Peter. Say hello to our Princess when you see her.

Abrams steered Mayhew when the actor reprised his role as Chewbacca in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which partnered the seven-foot, two-inch tall actor once more with Han Solo star Harrison Ford.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker writer-director J.J. Abrams on Thursday penned a handwritten letter remembering Chewbacca star Peter Mayhew, who was revealed to have died April 30 at his Texas home.

“Peter was the loveliest man… kind and patient, supportive and encouraging,” Abrams wrote in a note shared to Twitter. “A sweetheart to work with and already deeply missed.”

“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character,” Ford said in a statement to ComicBook.com.