Star Wars actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy, died on Tuesday.
The 74-year-old's family confirmed his passing on Twitter, announcing Mayhew died at his North Texas home surrounded by his family.
Though he spoke entirely in growls, snarls, and the occasional roar, Chewbacca's unwavering loyalty to Han Solo made him one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Much more than just the hairy co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, Chewie's dependability and trustworthiness helped the iconic Wookiee function as the series' ultimate 'wing man.'
Mayhew's face was never seen in the Star Wars films. Source: Creative Commons
He was discovered by producer Charles H. Schneer while working as a hospital attendant in London, and cast in Ray Harryhausen's Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger.
The next year, he was cast as Chewbacca, the 200-year-old Wookiee.
Mayhew went on to appear in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens and The Star Wars Holiday Special.
He was active on the Star Wars convention circuit and wrote two books, Growing Up Giant and My Favorite Giant.
His height was not due to gigantism, but he measured 7 feet 3 inches.
Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Harrison Ford as Han Solo Source: AAP
George Lucas originally had his eye on bodybuilder David Prowse to play Chewbacca, but Prowse decided to play Darth Vader instead and Lucas went with the even-taller Mayhew.
On TV, he made guest appearances on Donny & Marie, The Muppet Show and Glee.
He seldom played roles outside of Chewbacca, except for Dark Towers, on which he played the Tall Knight and horror movie The Terror, in which he played the Mechanic.
Mayhew was asked by Australia's BMag why Chewbacca didn't get a medal at the end of the first Star Wars along with Solo and Skywalker.
"I think it was one of two reasons," he said.
Mayhew was succeeded as Joonas Suotamo, but stayed on to guide him through the role. Source: Star Wars, Lucasfilm
"One, they didn't have enough money to buy me a medal. Or two, Carrie couldn't reach my neck, and it was probably too expensive to build a little step so that I could step down or she could step up and give me the medal."
He established the Peter Mayhew Foundation to provide funds for those in need, and supported the 501st Legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish and other non-profits.
There will be a memorial service for friends and family on June 29, with a memorial for fans in Los Angeles in early December at EmpireCon.
He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.
