Celebrities are honouring the legacy of Star Wars [1] actor Peter Mayhew after his death on Tuesday [2]. According to a statement shared on his Twitter account, the 74-year-old actor passed away at his North Texas home with family by his side. No cause of death was mentioned, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, he underwent spinal surgery [3] last summer to help with his mobility. Peter is best known for his role as Chewbacca in numerous Star Wars movies, including 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope and 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens [4].
Following the news of Peter's death, friends and former castmates have posted their tributes to the iconic actor. In an interview with THR, Harrison Ford [5] remembered his longtime companion [6], telling the outlet, "We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years, and I loved him." Peter's family responded to the statement [7] on Twitter, saying, "He knew."
Mark Hamill, George Lucas, Billy Dee Williams, J.J. Abrams, and more have also paid their respects. Read on to see all the heartfelt homages so far.