Theres one fewer star in the galaxy now, and colleagues and fans are paying their respects.
Ford, who perhaps worked most closely with Mayhew aboard the Millennium Falcon, shared a statement with EW.
Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character, he said.
CBS Photo Archive/Hulton Archive
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.
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, Ford continued.
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.
He was a good friend and Im saddened by his passing.
Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars.
Much more than Chewie to me, wrote Williams, who also shared photos from over the years.
My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend.
Peters warm welcome when I came aboard as his double inThe Force Awakensmeant so much to me.
He was an absolutely one-of-a-kind gentleman and a legend of unrivaled class, and I will miss him.
Rest in Peace my friend.
We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhews passing, she said.
When I first met Peter duringThe Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature.
Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skillful use of gesture, posture, and eyes.
We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory.
See below for a sampling.
