Goodbye Chewbacca: Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, pays emotional tribute to Wookie

For Star Wars fans, the sudden death of Peter Mayhew aka Chewbacca couldn’t get any worse. Like a petal of a flower that is being ripped out, Wookie was the second Star Wars death after Carrie Fisher aka Princess Leia’s death in 2016. As one of the most-loved, hairy right-hand to Harrison Ford aka Han Solo, Peter Mayhew, the lovable Wookiee appeared in five different films in the saga. As we mourn the death of Mayhew with a dark cloud, here are how fellow Star Wars bid farewell to their pounds of fur friend.

Han Solo and who made up for one of the best iconic duos with Wookie in Hollywood movies ever since 1977 gave an emotional statement to The Hollywood Reporter about his dear 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. 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 it’s 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..." Ford added.

Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker who starred opposite Mayhew in the original “Star Wars” trilogy shared an emotional post via Twitter. “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.”

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

“Star Wars” creator George Lucas also bid an emotional farewell to his friend in a statement.  “Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature.and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend and I’m saddened by his passing.”

Other Hollywood stars, including Patton Oswalt and Elijah Wood took to social media to express their condolences. 

Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and his three children.