Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the movies 'Star Wars', dies at age 74: NPR

Peter Mayhew, the actor who played the big and hairy Chewbacca the Wookiee in the movie Star wars the film died at the age of 74 years.

Mayhew died Tuesday at his home in North Texas, according to one family declaration posted Thursday on his Twitter account. No cause of death has been mentioned. He had undergone a spine surgery last summer to improve his mobility, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Mayhew is survived by his wife Angie and three children.

"He was the nicest of giants," Star wars co-star Mark Hamill tweeted. "A tall man with an even bigger heart who has never failed to make me smile and a faithful friend whom I loved very much – I am grateful for the memories we shared and I am a better man for the To have known, thank you Pete. "

Born in London, the 7-foot-3-year-old Mayhew played Chewbacca, Han Solo's sidekick, in the original Star wars trilogy. He took over the role in two other installments, The revenge of the Sith in 2005 and the force awakens in 2015.

Mayhew was an actor working as a medical auxiliary in a hospital when he won the role of Chewbacca. Writer-director George Lucas may have cast Mayhew because his size allowed him to play higher than Darth Vader.

"He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it shows in all the films," said his family's statement. "But for him, the family" Star Wars "meant a lot more to him than a role in a movie."

The hairy Chewbacca, sometimes called the treadmill, can be dangerous if necessary, but he was often an adorable companion to the other characters in the film. He was a fan congress fan and Mayhew spent 30 years traveling the world sharing the magic of Star Wars.

Mayhew has used his fame to support several non-profit organizations dedicated to helping veterans, families and children in need. His Peter Mayhew Foundation was dedicated to "alleviating pain, illness and suffering" by supporting other charities.