Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford Share Tributes To Star Wars' Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew, the original actor who portrayed Star Wars' lovable Wookiee Chewbacca, passed away on Thursday (May 2) at 74.


Ever since the news broke, tributes from castmates and fans have been pouring in on social media, including Mayhew's old Star Wars co-stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo).


"He was the gentlest of giants," Hamill wrote. "A big man with a big heart who never failed to prepare me smile and also a loyal friend who I loved dearly. I'm grateful for the memories we shared and I'm a higher class of man for just having known him."


Ford, whose character was rarely seen without Chewie by his side, discussed fondly of Mayhew to The Hollywood Reporter.


"Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of fantastic dignity and noble character," mentioned Ford.


"These characteristic of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and companions in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought excellent pleasure to the Star Wars audience. Chewbacca was an essential piece of the success of the films we made with each other. He knew how crucial the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was committed to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear partner Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend..."


Representatives running Mayhew's Twitter account took the possibility to respond with an eas, heartbreaking "He knew."


J.J. Abrams took some time out to honor Mayhew with a handwritten note.


"Peter was the loveliest man...Kind and patient, cooperative and encouraging," wrote Abrams. "A sweetheart to work with and already deeply missed."


Star Wars writer and director Rian Johnson called Mayhew a "true legend."


Billy Dee Williams, who portrayed Lando Calrissian, called Mayhew "much more than Chewie."


A cavalcade of other celebrities mourning Mayhew took to Twitter to share their sweet tributes as well. Star Trek legend William Shatner recalled the pairs several fun and memorable tweets."


George Takei also had kind words for the fallen actor.


Simon Pegg posted an eas photo with a damaged heart emoji.


Elijah Wood sent Mayhew off with in-universe well wishes.


It's clear that Mayhew's passing touched an assortment of celebrities in different ways, and he is going to be sorely missed.