Peter Mayhew

Birth Name:

Peter William Mayhew

Birth Place:

Barnes, London, England, United Kingdom

Profession

Actor, Producer, Soundtrack

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
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
Is a self-described Star Wars purist, only acknowledging stories and characters which have been developed by franchise creator George Lucas
Reportedly studied the movements of large zoo animals to better portray Chewbacca on screen
Though he was born in England, he became a naturalized citizen of the U․S․ in 2005 at a ceremony in Arlington, Texas

Fast Facts