Even though he was hidden under massive amounts of Yak hair, Peter Mayhew nonetheless carved out a niche of recognition for himself for portraying the vertically imposing but lovable Chewbacca, the Wookie friend, co-pilot and sidekick of Captain Han Solo in all three original “Star Wars” films, as well nearly three decades later for the final prequel, “Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith” (2005).

Born May 19, 1944 in Barnes, England, Mayhew never had aspirations for acting. Parts were scarce for a man who, at 7'3", towered over all others. But while working as a hospital orderly at