Star Wars actor, Peter Mayhew dies at 74

English-American actor, Peter Mayhew, who portrayed the iconic Star Wars character Chewbacca, has passed away at the age of 74.

His family announced that he died peacefully on Tuesday surrounded by his loved ones at his Texas home. But the cause of his death wasn't revealed.

In a statement family and friends hailed the actor as a "gentle giant and a very quiet, shy and beautiful person"

His family said: "Peter was the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars triology, episode 3 of the prequels and the New Triology.

"He fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

"He also consulted on The Last Jedi in an attempt to teach his successor.

"He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth.

"But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in the film."

Movie stars are already paying Tributes for the actor on social media.

Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca in Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), Revenge Of The Sith (2005) and The Force Awakens (2005).