Peter Mayhew - Actor Profile

Peter Mayhew

Acting
Freshness: Jan 24, 2026
24Total Films
8.8 Highest Rated
Born: May 19, 1944
Birth Place: Barnes, London, England, UK

About Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew (May 19, 1944 – April 30, 2019) was a British-American actor, best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars films. Mayhew was born on 19 May 1944 in Barnes, Surrey, where he was also raised. His height was a product not of gigantism — "I don't have the big head" — but of an overactive pituitary gland secondary to a genetic disease called Marfan Syndrome. The overactive pituitary gland was treated successfully in his mid-teens. His peak height was 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m)

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Peter Mayhew reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 24 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Peter Mayhew's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 67% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Peter Mayhew remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in When Star Wars Ruled the World, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Peter Mayhew Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Peter Mayhew's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Peter Mayhew.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 Secrets of the Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey Self Hit Similar →
2015 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chewbacca Hit Similar →
2010 Jedi Junkies Himself Average Similar →
2009 Yesterday Was a Lie Dead Man Average Similar →
2009 Fanboys Self (uncredited) Average Similar →
2005 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Chewbacca Super Hit Similar →
2004 The Characters of Star Wars Self Hit Similar →
2004 Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 When Star Wars Ruled the World Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 The Story of Star Wars Chewbacca (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Peter Mayhew Average Similar →
2002 Comic Book Villains Peter Mayhew Flop Similar →
1999 The Very Best of the Muppet Show Special Guest Star / Chewbacca Hit Similar →
1983 Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi Self Super Hit Similar →
1983 Return of the Jedi Chewbacca Super Hit Similar →
1982 Return of the Ewok Chewbacca Average Similar →
1980 SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back Chewbacca Super Hit Similar →
1980 The Making of The Empire Strikes Back Self Super Hit Similar →
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Chewbacca Super Hit Similar →
1979 Terror The Mechanic Flop Similar →
1978 The Star Wars Holiday Special Chewbacca Flop Similar →
1977 The Making of Star Wars Self (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1977 Star Wars Chewbacca Super Hit Similar →
1977 Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Minoton Hit Similar →

Peter Mayhew - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Peter Mayhew?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Peter Mayhew is "When Star Wars Ruled the World" with a rating of 8.8/10.

How many movies has Peter Mayhew acted in?

Peter Mayhew has been featured in at least 24 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Peter Mayhew?

Other notable films include "Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi", "SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back", and "The Empire Strikes Back".