Peter Mayhew is hard to miss.

His lanky, 7-foot frame has served him well.

English-born Mayhew portrayed fan-favorite Wookie, Chewbacca, in four of George Lucas' "Star Wars" films.



Though he stepped away from the spotlight for more than a decade, Mayhew has spent the last 16 years attending comic book and science-fiction conventions around the globe, chatting with "Star Wars" devotees young and old.

Mayhew is also an author. He penned the children's books "Growing Up Giant" and "My Favorite Giant," with a third book in the works (tentatively titled "Be a Hero").

On Saturday and Sunday, Mayhew will sign autographs and meet with fans during the Great Allentown Comic Con at Merchants Square Mall in Allentown.

He recently took time out to discuss the impact of fighting Darth Vader in a galaxy far, far away and what made decide to write children's books.

Q. What is the typical reaction from fans when they find out it was you under the Chewbacca mask and costume?

A. No, I'm not Howard Stern. Was it hot in that suit? What is Harrison Ford like?

Q. How much did portraying Chewbacca impact your career?

A. It changed my life forever, but after the first three movies, I retired to private life for 14 years. I started doing conventions about the time that the special edition came out in 1995. Met my wife in America, got married and became a citizen in 2005.

Q. What do you enjoy most about attending conventions and meeting with fans?

A. I really enjoy the little ones whose parents are fans, too. They are why I do what I do, but there is a large extended family of fans that is "Star Wars" and I am proud to be a part of that group. The fan groups are friends for life and will always try to help if they can.

Q. What made you decide to write children's books?

A. My wife decided to write the first children's book, "Growing Up Giant," because she wanted to share my story. I really thought I had grown up like everyone else, but upon reflection, I guess it was different.

Q. What did you learn from the process of writing and creating "Growing Up Giant" and "My Favorite Giant?"

A. We learned that writing isn't as easy as you might think, and that it takes wonderful dedicated artists to bring the story to life. The books have become a labor of love for us.

Q. Going back to Chewbacca, what is the most memorable, or strangest, fan encounter you have had?

A. Probably the awkwardness of being recognized in a restaurant and having your waiter just stand there and chuckle until he can find his voice.

Q. Is there a "Star Wars" character, besides Chewbacca, you would have liked to play? If so, who would it be and why?

A. I like Lando Callrisian as the anti-hero and business man who is really a good guy at heart. It's a good character and Billy Dee Williams played the part well.

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If you go

The Great Allentown Comic Con will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Merchants Square Mall in Allentown.

The event will feature appearances by "Star Wars" actor Peter Mayhew, comic book writer Peter David, voice actor Tom Kane and actor Robert Picardo ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Stargate: SG-1"), among others.

An Epilepsy Awareness Auction will be held Sunday, with live bidding starting at 4 p.m. Attendees will be able to bid on original comic book art and collectible items.



Cost is $8, $12 for weekend passes and free admission for children under 12.



For more information, visit allentowncomiccon.com.