Star Wars fans were met with tragic news this week as actor Peter Mayhew passed away at age 74. Though he was originally from England, Mayhew spent most of his life living in North Texas, where he passed away in his home on April 30.

Mayhew is probably best known for playing Chewbacca in the original Star Wars movies trilogy and he made a few appearances in a Star Wars prequel and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Though he did not play Chewbacca in the recent movies he worked as a consultant on those films. He also played the wookie in the infamous The Star Wars Holiday Special. Besides Star Wars Mayhew had roles in movies like the Terror, Comic Book: The Movie, and he even provided a voice in the English dub of Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy.

Mayhew should also be remembered for his charity work as well as his acting career. Mayhew started the Peter Mayhew Foundation, which provides supplies to children in Venezuela.

According to CNN two memorial services for the actor are being planned. The first one will be a private service for Mayhew’s family and close friends. The second one will be held this winter for his fans.

He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete #RIPPeterMayhew #Heartbroken @TheWookieeRoars pic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) May 2, 2019