“Star Wars” actor Peter Mayhew has received spinal surgery to improve his “mobility” and is currently recovering from the procedure.
The 7-foot 2-inch actor, who is best known for playing Chewbacca in the Lucasfilm franchise, shared the news in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.
“Sorry, I’ve been quiet as of late. I’ve been planning & going through some spinal surgery to improve my mobility. It’s been a success & I’ll be spending the upcoming weeks recovering. A big thank you to the doctors, staff, my family & friends that have helped me through this,” he wrote.
Sorry, I’ve been quiet as of late. I’ve been planning & going through some spinal surgery to improve my mobility. It’s been a success & I’ll be spending the upcoming weeks recovering. A big thank you to the doctors, staff, my family & friends that have helped me through this. pic.twitter.com/fdfUelrsel
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) July 24, 2018
In a subsequent tweets, the 74-year-old said that he would not be able to attend the London Film and Comic Con at the end of July due to the surgery, but that he had rescheduled and would attend the show in March. He added, “sorry to miss you all but I’ll be over as soon as my legs can paddle me across the pond.”
Bad news. Due to my recent surgery, I will not be able to attend the upcoming London Film & Comic Con, but I have rescheduled and will be attending their show in March. Sorry to miss you all but I’ll be over as soon as my legs can paddle me across the pond. Cheers, Peter.
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) July 24, 2018
Mayhew also thanked his fans for their “requests to send gifts and flowers” and encouraged them to donate instead to the Peter Mayhew Foundation, which is “devoted to the alleviation of disease, pain, suffering, and the financial toll brought on by life’s traumatic events,” according to its website.
Thank you all for the requests to send gifts & flowers. I would encourage you to donate to my foundation rather than send things to my hospital room. Not that I wouldn’t love a few cookies, but the foundation can always use help doing some good. https://t.co/HcCGdprEGE pic.twitter.com/pVzuY26sFb
— Peter Mayhew Foundation (@TheWookieeRoars) July 24, 2018
Mayhew was cast in the role of Chewbacca for the first “Star Wars” movie in 1977, and also played the role in “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return of the Jedi,” “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Joonas Suotamo took over the role of the beloved Wookiee for “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which was released earlier this year.