Peter Mayhew is an English actor of American citizenship and previously a hospital orderly. Mayhew was born in Barnes, south west London. He is 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) tall and best known for playing the tall hairy alien Chewbacca in the Star Wars film series, but has also appeared in other films. He has written two books. Mayhew is now active in Star Wars communities. Mayhew has played Chewbacca in five Star Wars films: the original trilogy (Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He played the role in the 1978 television film Star Wars Holiday Special and in an appearance on The Muppet Show. He also recorded dialogue for the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3 finale episode "Wookiee Hunt”. Peter was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MTV Film Awards 1997.
Mayhew has written two books for younger audience: "Growing Up Giant" which explains that being different is a strength instead of a weakness and anti-bullying book for children "My Favorite Giant".
