The world is in mourning after Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in five Star Wars films, died.
People across the planet have been paying tribute to the 7ft tall actor, including his on-screen pals Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, and Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker.
Ford wrote: "Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character.
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"These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him. He invested his soul in the character and brought great pleasure to the Star Wars audience."
"Chewbacca was an important part of the success of the films we made together. He knew how important the fans of the franchise were to its continued success and he was devoted to them. I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all. My thoughts are with his dear wife Angie and his children. Rest easy, my dear friend...."
While Luke Skywalker wrote his statement on Twitter, with many of his fans posting their favourite memories of the pair.
On Twitter, the actor wrote: "He was the gentlest of giants. A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile and a loyal friend who I loved dearly.
"I'm grateful for the memories we shared and I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete."
I'm not crying, you're crying.
Mark and Peter shared the screen in A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.
Mayhew's family has released a statement saying: "He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running. Firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth.
"But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.
While it's devastating for anyone to die on any day, the fact he died a day from the international Star Wars day of May the Fourth is particularly heartbreaking.
In addition to Hamill's and many others, a statement has been released by the studio that brought the incredible franchise to the big screen.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said: "We are deeply saddened today by the news of Peter Mayhew's passing. Since 1976, Peter's iconic portrayal of the loyal, lovable Chewbacca has been absolutely integral to the character's success, and to the Star Wars saga itself.
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When I first met Peter during The Force Awakens, I was immediately impressed by his kind and gentle nature. Peter was brilliantly able to express his personality through his skillful use of gesture, posture, and eyes. We all love Chewie, and have Peter to thank for that enduring memory."
A memorial service for the actor will be held next month in California however it's expected many will honour him tomorrow for May the Fourth.
Social media will likely be awash with people yelling in the Wookiee's iconic growl and that would be the best tribute anyone could hope for.
RIP Peter Mayhew - the world has lost a classic character.
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