Peter Mayhew, the actor behind the character of Chewbacca from the "Star Wars" franchise, has died. He was 74.

He passed in North Texas surrounded by his family on the evening of April 30, according to a statement posted to the late actor's Twitter account.

Mayhew is most widely known for his portrayal of the more-than-200-year-old Wookie Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" franchise. He donned the costume in five films — "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," "Revenge of the Sith," and "The Force Awakens" — as well as "The Star Wars Holiday Special."

Mayhew was able to attend Star Wars Celebration this year in Chicago but did cancel his appearances on April 11.

At his tallest, Mayhew stood at 7 feet 3 inches, although his height was not due to gigantism.