Every year “Star Wars” fans celebrate May the 4th for pretty obvious reasons. The hashtag #MayThe4thBeWithYou does its inevitable rounds on Twitter and other social media sites.
2019 is no different, but this year, however, the special day is a little bittersweet. The news was released Thursday this week that Peter Mayhew, 74, he who hid in the furry suit and made incomprehensible sounds in the role of Chewbacca, has passed away from this world. While Peter Mayhew died on April 30 in his North Texas home, his family released the news to his many fans on May 2. Regrettably, the cause of his passing was not revealed.
The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019
Mayhew starred as the large and furry Chewie in the first three “Star Wars” films, starting in 1977. He later also starred in the 1980 film “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 1983. Peter was seen again in the 2005 film “Revenge of the Sith” and also with an older Harrison Ford in “The Force Awakens.”
Tributes to Peter Mayhew
Many touching tributes have already appeared on Twitter, some of which are shared below. With Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) having already left us, it is nice to think the two actors might meet up again somewhere in a galaxy far, far away.
Chewie and Princess Leia reuinted 😢💕#MayThe4thBeWithYou, old friend. #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #StarWars #StarWarsDay #Chewbacca #PrincessLeia pic.twitter.com/LPFA5NlhYz
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) May 4, 2019
At 7 ft 2 in, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) towered over Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), as can be seen from this great image.
Star wars day will be a little more reflective this year. #StarWarsDay #MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWars pic.twitter.com/16qYHLmIDv
— Joanne Martin (@joannemartin51) May 4, 2019
Mark Hamill, known to fans as Luke Skywalker, also paid tribute to his friend, the “gentlest of giants,” with “an even bigger heart.”
He was the gentlest of giants-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 #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 2, 2019
Harrison Ford had once jokingly called Peter a “walking carpet” on entering his trailer. Ford also paid tribute to his great friend.
“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him – I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all."
– Harrison Ford pic.twitter.com/W56DhREVzM
— Star Wars Stuff (@starwarstuff) May 3, 2019
#MayThe4thBeWithYou humor still abounds
While the passing of Peter is mourned, in keeping with his wonderful sense of humor, other Twitter users made appropriate posts.
I was going to celebrate Star Wars Day with a party, but I forgot to send out the invites.
Wookiee mistake. #StarWarsDay #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/LEyx9BZSBj
— Scott Wiles (@scott_w88) May 4, 2019
Even Batman fans added their own humorous touch.
"May the floss be with you!"
– Joker
Mad Love #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/wlCtSsQX0u— Batman: TAS (@TheAnimatedBat) May 4, 2019
It seems there is a cat who loves playing Yoda, he does.
Clear your mind, you must.
To enjoy your weekend, you have.#MayThe4thBeWithYou📷"Gouzmi" #Photography by: © Audrey Baschet (France), 2012 pic.twitter.com/SzXaQPHTlr
— Arty (@ArtLify) May 4, 2019
Many fans will no doubt spend time bingeing some of the epic “Star Wars” films this weekend to remember gentle giant Peter Mayhew in his passing. RIP to a great man and May the Force Be With You all, every day of the year.
