Peter Mayhew
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- May 19, 1944 in Barnes, London, England, UK
- Died
- April 30, 2019
- Active Years
- 1976–2016 (41 Years)
- Total Credits
- 30 credits in database
Biography
Peter Mayhew was a British-American actor born on May 19, 1944, in Barnes, Surrey, where he was also raised. He passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74. Mayhew was best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars films. His height reached a peak of 7 feet 3 inches, or 2.21 meters, which was a product of an overactive pituitary gland secondary to a genetic disease known as Marfan Syndrome, rather than gigantism. This condition was successfully treated in his mid-teens. According to available records, he had 30 known acting credits and is documented on the Movie Database platform.
Career overview
Peter Mayhew was a British-American actor best known for playing the character Chewbacca in the Star Wars films. Born on May 19, 1944, in Barnes, Surrey, where he was also raised, Mayhew reached a peak height of 7 feet 3 inches. His height was the result of an overactive pituitary gland secondary to Marfan syndrome, rather than gigantism, and the condition was treated successfully when he was in his mid-teens.
Throughout his career, Mayhew accumulated 30 known acting credits on The Movie Database. His work in the entertainment industry is defined internationally by his iconic portrayal of the famous Wookiee character in the Star Wars franchise.
Mayhew passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74. His legacy remains permanently tied to the Star Wars films and his recognizable onscreen presence, which was made possible by his unique physical stature and his contributions to cinema.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
30 titles- Secrets of the Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey (2016) as Self
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) as Chewbacca
- Comic Book Men (2012) as Self
- Jedi Junkies (2010) as Self
- Glee (2009) as Chewbacca
- Fanboys (2009) as Self (uncredited)
- Yesterday Was a Lie (2009) as Dead Man
- Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) as Chewbacca
- The Story of Star Wars (2004) as Chewbacca (archive footage)
- Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004) as Self
- The Characters of Star Wars (2004) as Self
- Comic Book: The Movie (2004) as Peter Mayhew
- When Star Wars Ruled the World (2004) as Self
- Comic Book Villains (2002) as Peter Mayhew
- The Unauthorized Star Wars Story (1999) as Self
- The Very Best of the Muppet Show (1999) as Special Guest Star / Chewbacca
- Return of the Ewok (1994) as Chewbacca
- Return of the Jedi (1983) as Chewbacca
- Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi (1983) as Self
- The Kenny Everett Television Show (1982) as Various
- Dark Towers (1981)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) as Chewbacca
- SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) as Self
- The Making of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) as Self
- Terror (1979) as The Mechanic
- The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) as Chewbacca
- Star Wars (1977) as Chewbacca
- Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) as Minoton
- The Making of Star Wars (1977) as Self (uncredited)
- The Muppet Show (1976) as Chewbacca
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Peter Mayhew best known for?
Peter Mayhew is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Comic Book Men (2012), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), Fanboys (2009).
When and where was Peter Mayhew born?
Peter Mayhew was born on May 19, 1944 in Barnes, London, England, UK. They passed away on April 30, 2019.
How many credits does Peter Mayhew have?
Peter Mayhew has accumulated over 30 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1976 to 2016.
What is Peter Mayhew's background in cinema and television?
Peter Mayhew was a British-American actor born on May 19, 1944, in Barnes, Surrey, where he was also raised. He passed away on April 30, 2019, at the age of 74. Mayhew was best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars films. His height reached a peak of 7 feet 3 inches, or 2.21 meters, which was a product of an ove...
Peter Mayhew by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980) as Chewbacca — aged about 36
- Star Wars (1977) as Chewbacca — aged about 33
- The Muppet Show (1976) as Chewbacca — aged about 32
- Return of the Jedi (1983) as Chewbacca — aged about 39
- Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) as Chewbacca — aged about 61
- The Kenny Everett Television Show (1982) as Various — aged about 38
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