Peter Mayhew, the actor best know for his portrayl of the Star Wars character Chewbacca, has died at his home in North Texas at the age of 74.

Mark Hamill, his co-star who played Luke Skywalker, wrote:
“He was the gentlest of giants. A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly. I’m grateful for the memories we shared & I’m a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete.”

Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, also wrote a dedication:
“We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the ‘Star Wars’ audience. Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. (Peter) knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all”

I give my own thoughts on the man and in legacy in the following video.