Peter Mayhew

Actor best known as Chewbacca

Peter Mayhew - Actor best known as Chewbacca
Born

May 19th, 1944
81 years ago

Died

April 30th, 2019
6 years ago — 74 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An actor and former hospital orderly, gained fame for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, starting with the original film in 1977. Mayhew reprised the role in several sequels and spin-offs, including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Revenge of the Sith. The character became iconic in popular culture, recognized for its distinct personality and presence alongside Han Solo. Mayhew was known for his towering height, standing at 7 feet 3 inches, which contributed to the character's imposing yet friendly demeanor. Outside of his acting career, Mayhew engaged in charitable work, particularly with children’s hospitals.

Portrayed Chewbacca in Star Wars series

Appeared in the film Revenge of the Sith

Other People Born on May 19th

Stuart Cable

Welsh drummer of Stereophonics
Born
May 19th, 1970 55 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 40 years old

A drummer, contributed to the British rock band Stereophonics, which formed in 1992. The band achieved significant commercial success with multiple hit albums, including 'Performance and Cocktails' and 'Word Gets Around'. Cable played on the band's early albums and contributed to their distinctive sound. He left the band in 2003 but continued to work in music, also becoming a presenter on Welsh television.

Continue Reading

Patrick Hodge

Scottish lawyer and judge, Lord Hodge
Born
May 19th, 1953 72 years ago

Born in 1953, a distinguished legal career included serving as a judge at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2013, contributed to significant rulings on various legal issues. Prior to this role, served as a judge in the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland.

Continue Reading

Percy Williams

Canadian sprinter and Olympic champion
Born
May 19th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1982 42 years ago — 74 years old

Achieved significant acclaim as a sprinter representing Canada. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, securing two gold medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Dominated Canadian sprinting in the late 1920s, setting national records and becoming a prominent figure in athletics. His Olympic victories contributed to Canada's success in the event, showcasing sprinting talents on an international stage.

Continue Reading

Arthur Gorrie

Hobby shop proprietor and entrepreneur
Born
May 19th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1992 33 years ago — 70 years old

Established a successful hobby shop that became a significant resource for enthusiasts in Australia. Provided a wide range of hobby supplies and fostered a community around various hobbies, including model making and gaming. The business served as a gathering place for hobbyists and contributed to the local culture of the area.

Continue Reading

Alan Melville

South African cricketer, Test player
Born
May 19th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1983 42 years ago — 73 years old

An accomplished cricketer, this individual played for the South African national team during the 1930s. Debuting in Test cricket in 1935, contributed to several important matches. In addition to his role as a middle-order batsman, also served as a captain. Transitioned to first-class cricket, achieving significant success. After retiring, took on various roles in sports administration and journalism.

Continue Reading

K. J. Choi

Professional golfer with PGA Tour wins
Born
May 19th, 1970 55 years ago

Born in South Korea, a professional golfer achieved significant success on the PGA Tour. Choi turned professional in 1994 and gained a foothold in the sport with consistent performances. He recorded his first PGA Tour victory at the 2002 Compaq Classic. Over the course of his career, he won multiple tournaments, including the 2003 Players Championship, one of golf's prestigious events. Choi represented South Korea in international competitions, contributing to the visibility of golf in the country. He became the first Asian-born player to win the Players Championship, marking a milestone in golf history.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 30th

Muddy Waters

Blues singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
April 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1983 42 years ago — 70 years old

Pioneer of the Chicago blues sound. Began his career in the 1940s, recording a number of influential tracks that shaped blues and rock music. Key works include 'Hoochie Coochie Man' and 'Frozen Assets'. Credited with bringing the electric guitar to the forefront of blues music, leading to its wider popularization. Received multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. Migrated from Mississippi to Chicago, where he became a central figure in the blues scene.

Continue Reading

Niwa Nagashige

Japanese daimyō and military leader
Born
May 11th, 1571 454 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1637 388 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1571, this historical figure served as a daimyō during the Sengoku period in Japan. He held significant power in the region of Owari and played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of the time. Loyal to Tokugawa Ieyasu, he participated in pivotal battles and contributed to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. His governance and military strategies shaped the dynamics of feudal Japan.

Continue Reading

Lester Bangs

Music journalist and rock critic
Born
December 14th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1982 43 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent figure in music journalism during the 1970s, known for engaging and often controversial writings on rock music. Contributed to notable publications such as Rolling Stone, Creem, and The Village Voice. Authored several books and essays, encapsulating the ethos of rock 'n' roll culture. Bangs often blended humor and criticism, championing artists while critiquing the industry. His influential style paved the way for future music critics and left a lasting legacy in the field.

Continue Reading

Hildegard of the Vinzgau

Frankish queen and noble
Died
April 30th, 783 1242 years ago — None years old

Served as a Frankish queen consort in the 8th century. Married to Charlemagne, contributed to the political and social dynamics of the early Carolingian Empire. Had a notable influence on the royal court through connections with noble families. Death occurred in 783.

Continue Reading

Tony Allen

Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
January 11th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 38 years old

Played as a shooting guard in the NBA, primarily with the Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies. Contributed to the Boston Celtics' 2008 NBA Championship victory. Recognized for defensive prowess, earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors multiple times. Transitioned to a prominent role within Memphis, becoming a key player for the team's identity and success during the 2010s.

Continue Reading

Julian Lewis

Biologist and academic, authored textbooks
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 68 years old

A British biologist specialized in neurobiology and behavioral sciences. Contributed extensively to the study of the neuroscience of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Held a position as a professor and published numerous academic articles and textbooks that served as important resources in the biological sciences field. Worked on understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the influence of genetic factors on diseases. Collaborated with various academic institutions to advance research in these areas.

Continue Reading