Advertisement Peter Mayhew, known as original Chewbacca in ‘Star Wars,’ dies Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Actor Peter Mayhew, known as the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, died Tuesday. He was 74.His family was by his side at his North Texas home, his family said Thursday in a news release announcing his death.The 7 foot, 3 inch Mayhew played the beloved and furry Chewbacca, sidekick to Han Solo and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, in the original “Star Wars” trilogy."He was the gentlest of giants," said "Star Wars" legend Mark Hamill. "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."Mayhew went on to appear as the Wookiee in 2005′s “Revenge of the Sith” and shared the part in 2015′s “The Force Awakens” with actor Joonas Suotamo, who later took over the role.By that time, the actor was fighting his way to stand from being wheelchair-bound. “He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame," the family said in a statement.Mayhew developed lifelong friendships with the other “Star Wars” actors and spent three decades traveling the world to meet his fans, the statement says.Mayhew's portrayal of the beloved "Star Wars" character also was integral to the trilogy's success, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said."When I first met Peter during 'The Force Awakens,' I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature," she said. "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."Mayhew, a native of London, established a foundation to support "everything from individuals and families in crisis situations to food and supplies for children of Venezuela during their recent road to freedom," the family's statement says. Born and raised in England, Mayhew had appeared in just one film and was working as a hospital orderly in London when George Lucas found him and cast him in 1977′s “Star Wars.” Mayhew is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.A memorial service for friends and family is planned for June 29.A public memorial for fans will be held in December at EmpireConLA. The "Star Wars" fans convention is set for Dec. 6-8.Instead of gifts and flowers, the family asks that donations be considered for his foundation.The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report.