Palitoy Chewbacca Bandolier offer. Return of the Jedi NĀ°28, 1984. UK.
Happy Star Wars Day!
I’m dedicating this year’s May The 4th Be With You post to actor Peter Mayhew, who passed away on the 30th April 2019, aged 74. Peter Mayhew was famous for playing the role of fearless Wookiee, Chewbacca, in the original Star Wars trilogy films. Mayhew also appeared in the Holiday Special, Revenge of the Sith, and The Force Awakens. In later films, due to declining health, he acted as a consultant for the character.
Peter Mayhew. Image: Lucasfilm.
For me, Chewbacca is one of the standout heroes from the Star Wars universe; physical, imposing, frightening, yet with a deep sense of loyalty to his friends and the rebel fight. I’ll never get over the impact upon hearing Chewie cry out in pain at the death of his dear friend, Han Solo, in The Force Awakens. Powerful stuff.
As for Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca, I’ve only ever heard the very best sentiments of his warmth, friendliness and humanity over the years, from both his fellow actors and the fans who adored him and were lucky enough to meet him. Mayhew wrote two books aimed at young readers: Growing Up Giant, about how being different is a strength rather than a weakness, and an anti-bullying book for children My Favorite Giant.
Rest in peace Peter Mayhew, thanks for all your good work, and we’ll always let the Wookiee win!
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- Image: Lucasfilm.
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- Image: Lucasfilm.
UK. Starburst. 1980.
What Can You Get A Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns A Comb?). 7inch vinyl record. 1980. RSO records.
Planet of the Hoojibs. 7 inch vinyl record. Buena Vista Records. 1983.
The Star Wars Book of Masks. Random House. 1983. Mask #2. Chewbacca.
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- Star Wars Weekly NĀ° 65. May 23. 1978. Artwork by Frank Springer. A somewhat grisly cover! Judging by the expressions on the faces of Han and Chewie I think they agree.
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- Star Wars Weekly NĀ° 66. May 30. 1978. The follow-up to issue 65 and another Frank Springer cover featuring Han and Chewie in combat.
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- Star Wars Weekly. 1978.
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- Star Wars Weekly. 1978.
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- Star Wars Weekly 38. 1978.
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- Star Wars Weekly. 1978.
In other Star Wars Day news…
Here’s a new ad I picked up recently, for the Droids and Ewoks cartoon series on VHS.
Star Wars Ewoks and Droids on VHS. 1988. UK.
More Ewoks?
Star Comics. 1985. US.
Just a few more Ewoks?
Ewok Village Play Set. France. 1985.
One last Ewok…
Logray, Medicine Man action figure. 1983. From the collection of TVTA.
And finally, a TVTA May the 4th tradition…
Will this post be sushi-free?
Not on your nelly!
May The Sushi also Be With You!
Admiral Ackbar sushi set. Image eBay.
Happy Star Wars Day!
Post updated with two Chewbacca records.
The Vintage Toy Advertiser 
Another treasure trove, and a lovely tribute x
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Thanks Wibi š xx
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A lovely tribute!!! May he RIP! ā¤ xo š
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Thanks Resa š
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Nice one. Chewie is one of my favourites too… he rocked the original trilogy.
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Cheers J. He sure was a mighty presence in the O/T.
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Wish I had kept my Star Wars weekly . Nice tribute.
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Thanks Neil š
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Long live, Chewie!
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Indeed, always let the Wookiee win!
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What a nice post and tribute to Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars films.
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Thanks Paul.
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Nice tribute. Sad day in the Star Wars Universe with his passing. He brought the lovable wookie to life and made him one of the most beloved characters.
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Very well said. Thanks 2loud.
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Great post TVTA and very cool pics! Thank you and RIP Peter Mayhew.
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Thank you Gray š
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RE-posted on twitter @trefology
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Thanks tref š
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Hello TVTA, thank you for a fantastic nod to the “gentlemanly giant” of Star Wars. We chatted earlier and I mentioned I never once heard a negative word spoken about Peter Mayhew which I found amazing. I recall those books he wrote that you listed but never got to read them. Ironically I was working on a new design inspired by Chewbacca and Peter, unfortunately I hadn’t had a chance to publish it. I had scheduled a “May The Fourth” post then I heard the news but as you have seen I did post a memorial earlier today featuring the new hilt. I will post a full article about Peter, Chewbacca and my tribute hilt on the 11th May. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and……May The Force Embrace him Always.
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Thanks FT. I need to add my Chewbacca 7 inch records to the post if I can get the scanner fired up before bedtime. I completely forgot to add those yesterday.
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