Late 'Star Wars' Actor Peter Mayhew's Convention Booth Transformed Into Memorial
By Kwadar Ray

Despite not delivering a single line of English in his multiple Star Wars films, Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew was able to build a strong relationship among the franchise's fan base. And that's why millions are mourning Mayhew's recent death.
Dear World,#MayTheFourthBeWithYou. Paying respects to Peter Mayhew. His kindness and joy always illuminated our cherished Chewbacca. Thank you for sharing your light, Peter. Rest easy.
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) May 4, 2019
Love,
Lupita pic.twitter.com/IWkRSG9nih
Mayhew, who attended plenty of conventions during his career, was scheduled to appear at Fan Expo Dallas this past Friday. But even though attendees weren't able to meet the Star Wars legend, they were given the opportunity to pay tribute to his life and career.
Mayhew's reserved booth at the convention was turned into a memorial. Joined by a remote control version of Chewbacca's dear friend, R2-D2, the actor's memorial was surrounded by flower arrangements, a donation box--likely to Mayhew's family--and guest books in which fans could say their goodbyes to the beloved star.
Peter Mayhew was scheduled to attend #FanExpoDallas this weekend. The folks at Fan Expo transformed his booth into a shrine complete with flowers and a condolence book for fans to sign. Thanks to our friend Thomas T for sharing this photo. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eZhT6pbIGU
— CollectorsCantina (@CollectCantina) May 3, 2019
The convention's vice president, Andrew Moyes, spoke highly of Mayhew and his relationship with Fan Expo Dallas.
"Always a line for him and always a full panel as well. He was a great speaker, he was a great storyteller," Moyes told CBS DFW about the Chewbacca actor. "And, of course, he created one of the most iconic characters in pop culture... There’s a sadness but also a warmth when you look at the stories they’re sharing about the impact he had on their lives. It’s an incredible experience to meet your hero. And the fans would walk away feeling a couple inches taller because they felt inspired and honored to have met him."
May the 4th is a tribute to the scale of Star Wars reach and as we process losing Peter we have been reading all of your posts, hearing your stories & seeing decades worth of fan photos and from the bottom of our hearts we wanted to say Thank You. #MayThe4thBeWithYou #Chewbacca pic.twitter.com/Z9XyeJDBTW
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 4, 2019
Mayhew is the third Star Wars star to die in the past few years, including Carrie Fisher and Kenny Baker. And just like Fisher and Baker, Mayhew will be irreplaceable in the hearts of fans.