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| image by Florida Supercon |
One of my favorite stories about Peter Mayhew is how he was cast as Chewbacca in the original Star Wars. He was in a room waiting to meet George Lucas. When the director entered the room, Mayhew's polite English manners kicked in and he stood. His over 7-foot size shocked the director who looked at him, I believe said a few passing words, and then left. The impression Mayhew left, simply by being a gentleman, earned him one of the most iconic science fiction roles of all time.
It wasn't until after his death that I found out he played the character of Minoton, the mechanical minotaur in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. Besides that, almost all of his film credits are Chewbacca related.
Mayhew took his job as Chewbacca very seriously. He researched animal behavior such as bears and apes to capture the human, yet-not-quite-human qualities of his Wookie character. You can see this especially in his body language performances. I can still see so vividly, Chewie shaking his head in fear, refusing to go near the trash compactor. For me, though, the best part of his performance was his eyes. His fierce frame would not have had as much of an impact if not for his soulful eyes. Mayhew's eyes always expressed gentleness and trust in his friends. And yet he was able to turn them to deadly rage when his friends were in need. Mayhew made us all want to have a friend like Chewbacca: a gentle protector who would fiercely fight on your behalf.
I've encountered some famous actors who feel embittered because they are remembered only for one role. That was not Mayhew. He adored the fan base. I was able to see him once at a convention. He had trouble walking at that point and he used a lightsaber-shaped cane (I believe given to him by a fan), as he walked the convention floor. He was completely kind and gracious to everyone. Mayhew would often dress as Chewbacca and visit sick children in the hospital to raise their spirits, knowing that the Wookie was enouraging them to fight.
Twenty-two years after Star Wars, at age 54, Mayhew married the love of his life Angie. The two of them moved to Texas where they raised three children. Peter eventually became a naturalized American citizen a few years later. Together they continued to go to the convention circuit. But they used their celebrity to help others. They started the Peter Mayhew Foundation, which helps sick children, often aiding with expenses through organizations like Make-A-Wish.
Probably my favorite story about them is Daniel and Ashley Fleetwood. This young married couple loved Star Wars. But tragedy struck when Daniel developed fatal spinal cancer. He would not survive to the premiere of The Force Awakens, but the film makers arranged a special screening for him before he passed. Daniel died in November 2015 at the young age of 32. After this, Peter and Angie personally reached out to Ashley and invited her to spend the holidays with them so that she wouldn't be alone. Ashley gladly accepted. The thing I love most about this story is the deep sense of compassion the Mayhews have. They understand that for whatever reason, Mayhew's connection to Chewbacca makes him someone important to the lives of many people. Peter and Angie decided that if that importance can help someone whose life has been devastated, then they gladly opened up their home and hearts.
Thank you, Peter Mayhew, for opening up your heart to all of us. You will always be remembered with tenderness for giving us Chewbacca. But more importantly, you will be honored for the man under the mask.
When it came to the affection of our hearts, we always let the Wookie win.
Rest in Peace, Peter Mayhew.
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