Peter Mayhew Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1997 he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Film Awards
• His acting career began after the producers of "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" saw a photograph of him in a newspaper article featuring men with large feet, and decided to cast him in the uncredited role of Minoton the minotaur
• Best known for playing Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" films
• He is appeared in costume as Chewbacca at numerous events outside of his onscreen portrayal, including being present at the release of Sony's PlayStation Portable
• Prior to his acting career, and in between films, he has worked as a hospital orderly
• Reportedly studied the movements of large zoo animals to better portray Chewbacca on screen
• Is a self-described Star Wars purist, only acknowledging stories and characters which have been developed by franchise creator George Lucas
• Though he was born in England, he became a naturalized citizen of the U․S․ in 2005 at a ceremony in Arlington, Texas
• Currently resides in Boyd, Texas
• He was cast as Chewbacca after David Prowse, originally selected to play the iconic Wookiee, instead opted to play Darth Vader