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Peter Mayhew, Portrayed Chewbacca The Wookiee In 'Star Wars' Movies, Dies At 74

Mayhew was a part-time actor working as a hospital orderly when he was cast to play Chewbacca. A fan favorite, he used his fame to promote charities.
Peter Mayhew's original Chewbacca head on display at Profiles In History in Calabasas, Calif., in 2012.

Peter Mayhew, the actor who played the tall and shaggy Chewbacca the Wookiee in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 74.

Mayhew died at his home in North Texas onreleased Thursday on his Twitter account. No cause of death was mentioned. He had undergone last summer to improve his mobility, according to .

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