Mayhew was best known for his work in the Star Wars films as the original lovable sidekick, Chewbacca.
The 7 foot 3 inch actor led a rich life of 74 years. He passed away in his Texas home, surrounded by his family on April 30.
For the few left in the universe who are unfamiliar with Star Wars, Chewbacca is a Wookiee who stands faithfully at the side of Han Solo, originally played by Harrison Ford.
Ford and Mayhew worked closely together for the entirety of the original Star Wars trilogy — Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi — as well as in the more recent Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
As would be expected, Harrison Ford was among the first to publicly pay tribute to his fellow actor and friend.
"Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca."
"We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him."
Ford's emotional eulogy continued.
"He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience. Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them."
"I, and millions of others, will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend..."
After Ford's words were published, the official Twitter account for Mayhew responded in the most heartbreaking way.
He knew. https://t.co/sbixEmncx1— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@Peter Mayhew Foundation) 1556855676
(Those who don't understand the reference, watch this.)
Luke Skywalker actor, Mark Hamill, also penned a tribute to the beloved actor.
He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal frien… https://t.co/bMcfHn4S1q— Mark Hamill (@Mark Hamill) 1556839716
Other celebrities joined in to celebrate Mayhew's life.
Sad to hear of Peter Mayhew's passing. So long, Chewie, may the force be with you.— Elijah Wood (@Elijah Wood) 1556839390
May the Force Be with You, #PeterMayhew! As the King of the Cinematic Sidekicks, your performance helped make my ch… https://t.co/aQciiVyY6m— KevinSmith (@KevinSmith) 1556866018
Star Wars wouldn’t have been the same without Peter Mayhew as the loyal and lovable Chewbacca, and he will always b… https://t.co/p2HJuDwgfi— Justin Trudeau (@Justin Trudeau) 1556853929
And of course fans could not help but share their admiration and love for their favorite Wookiee.
@TheWookieeRoars https://t.co/xLVhWc7lin— Jonathan (@Jonathan) 1556856178
@CNN This news saddens me deeply. Chewbacca was one of my favorite characters since I was 7 years old in 1977. And… https://t.co/At9B8pj71p— Timothy Monkey, Esq.* (*not a lawyer!!!) (@Timothy Monkey, Esq.* (*not a lawyer!!!)) 1556879634
@CNN I hope he rests in peace in Wookiee heaven. He brought great joy to millions of people.— Sara Praeger (@Sara Praeger) 1556870856
R.I.P. #PeterMayhew 🌟 Thank you for bringing us closer to the stars and for bringing one of the kindest, dearest ch… https://t.co/h2aYbUgd54— Esther Wagner (@Esther Wagner) 1556872780
Just heard the news that Peter Mayhew, who played our beloved Chewbacca, has passed away. His career spanned genera… https://t.co/eBwvmgvggB— Hazel Hayes (@Hazel Hayes) 1556873360
Awww, damn. 💔 RIP, Peter Mayhew. https://t.co/6UR3FgQzx8— Jeri Ryan (@Jeri Ryan) 1556892696
Lovely little tribute to Peter Mayhew aka Chewbacca from @OfficialTfGM this morning. #starwars https://t.co/E1SNFpCm0A— Ryan Gibson (@Ryan Gibson) 1556868224
Rest in peace, Mr. Mayhew.
To see the role that launched Mayhew to international stardom, Star Wars episodes IV-VI are available here.
It's brilliant!
My daughter wrote her first comic book!! (It’s like Star Wars, but with Narwhals) https://t.co/rtkAvAEobA— Jon Cryer (@Jon Cryer) 1551457158.0
Just to give you a taste.... Here’s page 1 of Nar Wars (Oops, did I put too many dots in the ellipses?) https://t.co/R06gTsU1kk— Jon Cryer (@Jon Cryer) 1551506422.0
The first tweet visually explains why narwhals are the perfect animal for a Star Wars adaption, as their tusks act as perfect stand-ins for lightsabers.
The second tweet sets the stage with a redesigned Death Star (that tusk is absolutely intimidating) and explaining that this is in fact Narth Veader's story.
"Yeh! My story,"
The evil looking whale says.
The genius of the premise knows no bounds.
@MrJonCryer https://t.co/8NQi9bdInd— Paulin Greens (@Paulin Greens) 1551531182.0
@MrJonCryer https://t.co/8tEbr55xYu— Ben Gorniak (@Ben Gorniak) 1551532147.0
@AkilahObviously @MrJonCryer I like the emotion just using whale body language!— Topless Topics (@Topless Topics) 1551586673.0
It's not just me saying this either. Chuck Wendig, a critically acclaimed writer who formerly worked on Star Wars books, and Rian Johnson, the director of The Last Jedi, both praised the comic.
Let me know you found me here.
How can you argue with that?
@MrJonCryer SOLD, it’ll make millions, I’ll buy four copies.— Chuck Wendig (@Chuck Wendig) 1551470671.0
@OhNoSheTwitnt @MrJonCryer That is truly awesome.— Rian Johnson (@Rian Johnson) 1551498091.0
And in case that wasn't enough, Mark Hamill himself had a word or 17 about the project. Star Wars absolutely needs more narwhals.
Imagine Mark Hamill voicing an animated narwhal with a green lightsaber for his horn. It practically writes itself!
@MrJonCryer @rianjohnson I always thought it would've been better if we had more Narwhals. Your daughter is a visionary.— Mark Hamill (@Mark Hamill) 1551515098.0
@HamillHimself @rianjohnson She takes the opportunity to remind me of that constantly.— Jon Cryer (@Jon Cryer) 1551541159.0
While Disney has no plans at this time to adapt the obviously ingenious idea, fans will have to make do with this two page preview. Maybe if we ask really nicely, Cryer can "accidentally" upload the rest of the intellectual property offending material, and we can have the NarWars we deserve.
Star Wars Episode IX (no official title announced) is slated for released on December 20th of this year.