Peter Mayhew - Actor Profile

Peter Mayhew

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
23Total 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)

Peter Mayhew Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Peter Mayhew reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 23 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Peter Mayhew's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 70% of Peter Mayhew's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains When Star Wars Ruled the World, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Peter Mayhew Movies Ranked

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

Full Filmography

Every movie Peter Mayhew has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

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 23 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".

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