People have been clamoring for Star Wars news lately, but this time, it’s unwanted: Peter Mayhew, the actor responsible for bringing Chewbacca to life has passed away. A family spokesman has confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack, according to ABC, after Mayhew’s later years had been plagued with health issues, including a spinal surgery last year to improve mobility.

Mayhew was not an actor by trade, at least not when George Lucas found him. The Star Wars creator discovered his future Wookie working as an orderly in a hospital, a job which Peter did not leave until after Return of the Jedi gave him and his family a sense of financial security. Plus, the fans have always dearly loved the Millennium Falcon’s co-pilot, which allowed Chewbacca to live large on the Star Wars festival/convention circuit.

Speaking of large, Mayhew was indeed as...