Peter Mayhew

September 1, 2013

I AMA Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca from the Star Wars Saga. Ask Me Almost Anything

I am Peter Mayhew, Chewbaccca from the Star Wars Saga, Author, and currently working on the Kickstarter project Standing In The Stars.

Follow me on Twitter: @TheWookieeRoars

Proof: http://imgur.com/xY1t6oB

and please donate to the Kickstarter project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lenswithaview/standing-in-the-stars-the-peter-mayhew-story

I look forward to your questions.

Cheers,

Peter Mayhew

P.S.

Please dont ask about any questions about the new upcoming Star Wars movies. I am unable to talk about it at this time.

UPDATE: It was wonderful talking to all of you. Thank you for the support, and I will remain on Reddit from now on. Please also spread the word, and donate to the kickstarter, and be a #chewbacker



[No question]

It came from the zoo....originally, from the imagination of the sound master himself, Ben Burtt..who mixed the sounds of a bear that he met at the zoo with other organic animal sounds. Later, I was called to Skywalker Ranch to add my voice to the signature sound and become a part of the Official Voice of Chewbacca.


Is this like jeopardy or somethin?

What is: Why? Did I answer the wrong question?


Nah you may have just accidentally replied to your own post rather than the comment itself. No biggie.

Also...

YOU DA MAN MR. MAYHEWS!!!

I can make the best Chewbacca growl! But actually BEING THE Chewbacca is the best life achievement ever! I aspire to be as cool as you!

Coolness Recognized...and thank you...


Thanks for doing this!

Question: Given your unique life experiences - both personally and professionally - what would you say your very best life advice is?

Always follow the opportunities that present themselves in your life. You never know where that road will lead you.


Have you ever dressed up as chewbacca and trolled people at a sci-fi convention?

Absolutely not, the only way to hide me would be in a wheelchair with a lampshade on my head, and at a sci fi convention, that wouldn't help either...I once snuck into a little people convention, but they found me out instantly...and Kenny Baker ratted me out...


Was the Chewbecca costume itchy? And what is your favorite subreddit?

/r/starwars ... duhh... yes, but I had an under suit that stopped a lot of the itching... they dyed mine pink so that it would stand out in the laundry.... original hair came from shaving Carrie Fisher.


What is going to be showcased in the documentary?

Knees, knees, and more knees.... it will deal with me as a giant, the good, bad and ugly of it; my part in the fan community; my impending surgery to fix my knees; and hopefully, my recovery, rehab and rejoining the Star Wars community.


How did you like the Krewe of Chewbaccus parade at Mardi Gras last year? Will you be back?

Seriously?? I'm Emperor for life of my own Mardi Gras Parade. Thanks to their generosity and alcohol, I don't remember a thing, but I went and did my best to represent the Drunken Wookiee Himself!! I will always be back at every opportunity I can...


What is the best fan mail you have received from somebody over the years?

I have it in a case on display in my Chewie Museum, it's a letter and an action figure of Chewie as a Jedi written to help a fan cope with reading Vector Prime and the death of Chewbacca...


How tall are you?

Seven foot two...after my surgery, I should be a couple of inches taller...stay tuned...we'll see...


Be honest, were there some things about Star Wars that you disliked when you were filming? ( A New Hope mostly) because I heard a rumor that none of the set was anticipating it to become a success, let alone one of the greatest films of all time!

I was really busy working and being the new boy on the set to worry about such things. I am naturally curious, so a I decided to keep my head down (insert joke here) and play nice and observe.


Peter! I'm here. Hold on, getting more people to come. Bill

Howdy Bill... from our little farm in Texas, thank you for joining us... and thank you for mentioning our Kickstarter project on Twitter. That was very kind of you. We will do our best.


Captain Kirk and Chewbacca helping each other. My nerd-heart beats proudly. Edit: Thanks for the image, Peter! You were a huge part of my childhood and it makes me so happy to share Star Wars with my kiddos.

http://imgur.com/S0yA0TO


I love the fact that you had the ready to go!

Actually, our producer Ryan Ziegler threw that together on the fly. He has talent...


Holy cow, Both of you in one place!

Can I just say that I grew up like most kids a huge fan of Star Wars, but my favorite character by far was Chewbacca (with Ben and R2 a close second/third). So I wanna first say holy crap you're the man.

Also, Back when I worked at sears (in the men's department) me and the guys used to do ridiculous things to pass the time. We decided one day that instead of paging people over the intercom, we would instead do our loudest Wookie call across the whole department. You would then hear distant response calls soon after to acknowledge the first call. It made the day so much better and definitely brightened a few days.

All in all, thanks for being awesome.

Great story. Love it.


I'm 25 andI had just seen all the star wars movies for the first time in a marathon run last week. Just wanted to say thanks fot what you helped create.

You are welcome. Welcome aboard young padawan.


That post shows that Peter, you truly belong here. What's with this ama. Be a regular mate!

That might be a possibility especially during my recover. Still looking out for the petermayhew subreddit.


I and a few others helped Mr. Shatner get his subreddit off the ground (which he started himself). I would say hang out for a bit and see if there are enthusiastic, capable people you think you can trust to help you start out your own! I would recommend starting in /r/StarWars. :)

Thanks.


wheres yalls farm?

Dallas / Fort Worth area


Today is actually my birthday!!!

Happy Birthday


How did you feel about the death of Chewbacca on Sernpidal?

Did you like the ending for the character? or do you feel like things should have gone differently?

While Salvatore wrote a fine book, it was pointed out to me at the time, that Chewie's death would not affect any of the movie or TV projects. I don't know that it made him more popular as they expected it to, because, hey, HE's CHEWIE!! No extra popularity required..


Out of costume, do people ever recognize you on the street?

Yes, I am Howard Stern...


Where do you get shoes? Do you get special customized pairs?

Yes, last year we did plaster casts of my feet and had custom shoes made. Don't know if they will still be good after my upcoming knee replacement surgery... Have lots of pairs of 16 and 17 EEEEEE, but truthfully, they are a little narrow...


What are the greatest perks of being one of the most-loved Star Wars character?

People love me.... it's awesome!! I am grateful and blessed with a big Star Wars family and a wife and kids who love me too.


As for me, I think that Chewbacca deserved a metal after the first death star destruction. What was that last word he spoke in Episode IV? Did it have something to do with not getting a metal?

No, actually, the last words Chewie spoke in Episode IV was to dismiss the troops and thank them for their service.


I can answer this. For A New Hope there were lines. In the Documentary that came with the original trilogy (sorry I forgot the name) there is a raw clip of the scene where Obi-wan leaves the crewin the controll room.
Chewie: That old mans crazy ! Han: You said it buddy.

Actually, I said: "The old man is mad" and I just made that up on set. Did that a lot back then. But hey, everybody knows what Chewie said....


I'm 6' 6", which is nothing compared to your height, but I'm also very hairy so ever since school I've been called Chewbacca and I've never taken it as an insult, if anything I'm proud to be compared to Chewbacca as he is easily the best character to come out of the saga.

Anyway here's my question, what's your favourite memory from working on the Star Wars franchise?

Possibly holding Carrie Fisher in my arms at the wrap party for Star Wars while we popped the cork on the massive champagne bottle...

http://s962.photobucket.com/user/petermayhew/media/tumblr_lw06wumGgl1qc7co7o1_500_zpse0071c30.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0


Awesome of you to do this AMA. Besides your Kickstarter campaign and upcoming Star Wars, what else are you doing these days? Any other projects?

Getting back on my feet is top priority right now. It's what will allow everything else to move forward. Thats why I'm working on the kickstarter and getting my story out there.


Does chewbacca chew bacon?

Yes, with green eggs and ham.


If Peter Mayhew answers me, my life will be complete.

I would hate to think that you have wasted your life...so, here I am...."me" always here to help.


Is everything about your body in proportion to your size?

Yes!!!


Hello Mr. Mayhew, I was just wondering, a few years ago I was at Pittsburgh Comic Con awaiting for you to come and sign my Chewbacca figure from around 1997. I am not trying to sound hostile, but just curious, why weren't you there?

Well, if I was supposed to be there and wasn't it was because I had filming obligations, because before I broke my ACL, that was the only reason I had ever had to cancel. But I do recall being at Pittsburgh Comic Con at some point in the past...


Ruh gwyaaaag, Huwaa muaa mumwa?

(I am friend, can I buy you a drink?)

Yes please, missing my drinking weekend at Dragon Con really sucks.


What does Peter Mayhew drink exactly?

edit: really, what's your drink of choice? We won't judge!

Dr. Pepper of course, guinness, absinthe, & tequila.


Who would win in a fight, Han Solo and Chewie or Luke and Ben Kenobi?

We would never fight amongst ourselves, but Han would indeed shoot first...


would you say wookies are closer to bears or primates?

They're closer to your mom.


Holy shit!!! I was not expecting that!!!

Family rubs off on me.


Biased question. What do you think of the Orion Experience "Obsessed With Chew" video we put together?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIW-Ee_Mp3g

Wugaga hu uwamma Woohiee wa-ah.


Biased question. What do you think of the Orion Experience "Obsessed With Chew" video we put together?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIW-Ee_Mp3g

I am personally daring you to watch this little minute a couple of times and not hear it in your head... kitchy and fun!! Love it! And our daughter works there


Thoughts on Ewoks?

Great for tossing...but they were a little Chewie... ;-)


What was the audition process like for Chewy?

Well it wasn't short. (insert joke here)


Mr Mayhew. Did Han really shoot first ? You were there. You saw it first hand. The truth needs to come out !

uughghhhgh uughghhhgh huuguughghg


Kinda wished the whole AMA was answered, "uughghhhgh uughghhhgh huuguughghg". Maybe you should do another AMA in character.

I will give that some thought


What is the biggest misconception about playing Chewie?

That you don't sweat or that you can be herd through the mask.


Do you have any funny or interesting anecdotes from your work with Star Wars that most people aren't aware?

Those might remain untold, but if they are to be remembered, I think my post surgical experience might jog my memory... Help us get this experience on tape! You never know what might happen. I hope it's all good...http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lenswithaview/standing-in-the-stars-the-peter-mayhew-story/

Shameless Plug...


Did you mix much with the other unseen men of Star Wars, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse and Kenny Baker?

Dave, Kenny, Jeremy and I were the 4 musketeers who took the front lines in the early days of conventions. Great memories.


Thanks for doing this! Wookiees are my favorite alien from the Star Wars universe. My only question would be do you ever intimidate opponents into letting you win?

Every time that I can... ALWAYS let the wookiee win...


One of my favorite episodes of "The Muppet Show" was the one with the stars of Star Wars (Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2) What was it like working with Jim Henson and the Muppets? What was it like being asked to dance as Chewbacca during the closing number?

I proved that Chewie does indeed have two left feet but I really really loved working with Jim Henson and the Muppets. Jim and Frank Oz always gave directing instructions in their characters of Kermit and Miss Piggy. I was so enthralled with the process that at one point I thought I had missed my calling and wanted to try to be a puppeteer.


Me and my family used to lie in bed together on Sunday mornings doing terrible Chewy impressions. Just wanted to say I love you and the work you have done!

What a cherished memory...I'm impressed and good on ya..


Do you still have the suit, and if so, please tell me you still wear it!

Never had the suit, it has a home at the Archives building at Skywalker Ranch where it is well tended to and hermetically regulated.


hi peter,

i dont really have any questions. i just want to say thank you.

star trek was one of my favorite shows growing up.

thanks for being a special part of my life.

Mr. Bill is on the other Channel, but yes, Star Gate was one of the highlights of my life...


Hi Peter, thanks for doing this AMA..I got to see you participate in star wars weekend at Walt Disney World, which was amazing! So do you have a favorite ride at WDW?

Teacups of course.... I'm British...but, seriously... Rocking Roller Coaster... I have a Roller Coaster fetish and I admit it and don't want treatment.


Any tips on doing a good chewbacca impression? I always end up sounding like a choking walrus or I have to gurgle. By the way I kind of love you.

growl from your diaphragm...


What was auditioning for Chewbacca like? What did they have you do exactly?

Stand up.... that's literally all I did...


As someone who lost his leg while serving in the US Army, I was touched by your comment in this thread. Did you or someone close to you serve in the military?

We have lots of friends in the military, but some of my favorite time has been spent visiting at the Family Support Center for Wounded Warriors in San Antonio where I try to go every year if I can. The feeling you get when you make a circle with wounded vets and let them sit and ask questions and just go to a galaxy far away for a little while together, well, it's priceless. Our boys in the military deserve our deep respect and humble thanks.


Hi, Peter! Just wondering, do you believe in life on other planets, & what do you imagine they look like? thx!

Being one myself (an alien from another planet)space being almost infinite, there being infinite numbers of planets, what are the odds? Pretty good I think.


when you were filming did you ever do your own rawr or growl or straight up respond to harrison ford before they just dubbed over everything

Yes, most of the time.


[deleted]

ESB


Can you share your thoughts on the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special and what it was like working with a whole family of Wookies?

They had a video-cam from the Trader Dans to our tree house that actually worked.


Is there a Chewie museum or is it your own personal museum you were referring to?

The Chewie Museum is my own building here on property that houses my treasured mementos both commercially produced and hand made pieces from fans.


Do you have a costume at your disposal at all times? Or do you have to call up the Lucas ranch. or whatever marketing firm, and request the suit for various public appearances?

I ask because I would like to think that there is a Chewie Costume sitting in your closet at all times.

I wear it under my clothes at all time so I can pull a superman.


He obviously wears a mask of his own face over the wookie mask over his own face. Duh.

This is all great stuff guys. Yes, it does write itself


Do you have a nephew named Brendan or is the kid I work with claiming to have you as an uncle full of shit?

Are you in austin, and does he date a girl named Sheril? That's my daughter. Or if he's in dallas is he a fireman or a computer tech?


Wait. So your nephew Brendan is dating your daughter Sheril?

No... but our daughter Sheril does have a boyfriend named Brandon, and lots of people call me Uncle Peter... I guess that didn't come out just the way I planned..


Mr Mayhew- Big fan! Thanks for doing this AMA! Do you have a favorite post-trilogy publication? Book, comic, fan fiction, etc?

Anything by Timothy Zahn, Kevin Anderson, Aaron Allston..


Peter, do you think Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker will ever make up and bury the hatchet?

No.


How long could you wear the suit for before it just god too hot and itchy? Was it smelly?

An hour only at a time. Stinky, itchy and lumpy were the other wookiees...


I once delivered a pizza to you and was very friendly but you did not tip me.

Do you not like white rappers?

Ps. Sorry to bust your balls, if it helps I think you have the coolest cane ever.

Seriously I can't think of a time I have ever not tipped. Did you run over a goat and did we order pizza? So I take it you're not donating to the kickstarter. Apologies.


Have you learned to make the chewbacca growl since so many fans must ask you to do it?

I do try on occasion but don't want to make it a habit...


Did you ever pass-out from the heat of your costume?

Once on empire. But they were more interested in the 3PO suit on my back being dented.


Why Is Chewbacca always naked when his family wore clothes?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c69JkiUa0DE

I assume you are referring to this... Seth Green and Robot Chicken are sick dudes...and I love them for it...


Did you ever get the chance to just borrow the costume? Like, did you ever get the chance to just take it off of the set, and just walk down the street with it?

no


Hello sir I just wanted to wish you good luck for your upcoming surgery. Cheers to a lightspeedy recovery! You are in my thoughts and prayers - take care !

Thank you.


[No question]

Gosh, thank you for making us No. 1 on Reddit!! That is totally awesome and unexpected!! If you haven't already, please take a look at our Kickstarter project that we are currently working on and please, donate if you can and share with your friends and family. I believe this documentary will be worth your time: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lenswithaview/standing-in-the-stars-the-peter-mayhew-story/

Making Number 1 on Reddit is better than any medal I would have received.....you guys are awesome!


[deleted]

Sorry to disappoint you, that wasnt me. That was Dave Prowse.


First of all, thanks so much for doing this AMA! Chewie has always been one of my favorite characters ever since I was a wee babe. Questions!

1) Who was your favorite actor/actress to do scene work with during?

2) Who was your favorite actor/actress to spend time with behind the scenes?

3) Other than Chewbacca, who is your favorite character?

1) Harrison Ford but Mark and Carrie were both wonderful as well. All good folks and easy to work with. 2) Everyone (with a couple of notable exceptions) 3) Obi Wan


I don't have a question, I just wanted to thank you and your wife Angie for coming to New Orleans and riding with us in the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus. I had the honor of driving the Millennium Falcon throne float for you and sharing a drink at the afterparty. It was a once in a lifetime experience and a fantastic evening. Thank you.

I hope you will come back and visit us again.

Edit: spelling

We hope so too! Many friends we have there!


Hey Peter I'm a fan of Chewbacca, can you send me a video of Chewbacca stuff?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIW-Ee_Mp3g


Holy crap - no questions. Just many, many, many thanks for all you've done to help create a hopeful future for yesterday's kids, who are now old enough to take the reins of leadership in a pretty frightening world.

Thank you for taking the reins.


Is the Chewbacca costume huggable? It looks it. So on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low) how huggable is the suit?

It is the most huggable of all...cuddly too!


Was this picture as fun to take as it is to look at?http://i.imgur.com/lA8G14B.jpg

Truth... Carrie says its real, and I believe her.


My 5 yo daughter says that she "loves your playing of chewbacca." My 4yr old son wants to know how "did you get with Han Solo" (how did Han and Chewie meet and become friends)

Han Solo rescued Chewie from the Imperial prison...


Hey Peter! I met you in Plano, Tx when I was a kid. You're totally rad! I hope your surgery goes well, hopefully you'll be back on your feet in time for Episode 7!!

My Question: What animals do you have on your ranch? And, whats your perfect Sunday like?

We have: macaws, goats, chickens, guineas, dogs and cats...lots of each..


I just wanted to put it out there I love you! My dogs name is chewie, got chewbacca tattooed on my leg and even my user name! You're the bomb!

photo or it didnt happen.


http://imgur.com/wqu6akH Theres the tattoo! He was the first of an entire Star Wars leg sleeve.

http://imgur.com/0a4SOB3 And here's my doggy! Her collar even says "Chewie is my copilot"

I'm totally fan-girling right now! Thank you!

What a wonderfully lovely tattoo. Thank you for showing, and the adorable puppy too.


Were you bummed about the proliferation of CGI effects in the prequel trilogy? Digital wookiees aren't natural, man.

There are no digital wookiees... you are mistaken... no hard drive could capture wookiee fur, I pray it never can.


Did Carrie Fisher have a thing for Chewie? In behind the scenes pictures there always seems to be some sexual shit going on between you two.

no comment.. see above comment about proportions..


Thank you for your work on the films. I will always look up to you as an actor and all around great guy. Keep up the great work.

Thank you.


Did you wear the same Chewie outfit for all of the movies? Or did they change the costume to make it easier on you or any more comfortable?

No because it was the same costumes for the first two movies and the costume for the third was of a similar design.


/cheers

/cheers


HGGGGgAAAGgahhggghyhhuhhg?

yes.


Hi Peter! Big fan.

I recently read the blacklist script for "Chewie," which is the story of the making of Star Wars told through your eyes. I really loved the script, though I'm guessing it will never actually be made. Did you have anything to do with its creation? Were you interviewed in any way? If it did get made, who would you want to play you?

I had a snipe interview at the table with Robichaux and Susser at San Diego Comic Con and met them later on Skype with Kyle Neuman making proper introductions. Since I already know who they want to play me, I will decline answering the other question. It's not over yet. But, feeling like I'm always a bridesmaid.


How hard was it to memorize your script?

My challenge was not to hit the little people with my big guns!


Hey Peter, big fan! Do you think George will ever cgi a medal onto Chewie in episode 4? Would you like him to?

no, that would be like having Han shoot second.


Thank you Peter.. In the video it said something about getting better, we're you injured? Also you think I can get an autograph?

Due to my giantism, my body didnt have enough calcium to form my bones as quickly as they grew. I also tore my acl last year. Now I've been given the choice of being wheelchair bound or having the surgery that we're going ahead with.. Check out the kickstarter if you want to know more. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lenswithaview/standing-in-the-stars-the-peter-mayhew-story


Hey, I saw you at a con a few months ago. No offense, but you look a lot better in your proof photo than you did at the con. I'm sure those things can be rough physically and mentally!

My mother had to get both of her knees replaced not about 2 years ago. She says it is the greatest decision she has ever made! The hardest thing she said was the few months of physical therapy after the surgery. About 6 months after her surgery, she was walking better than I can even remember. I know what you will go through will be much different that what she went through given your stature, but we both wish you the best of luck on the surgery! I hope to see you again some day!

Yes, things have been challenging being in a wheelchair. Thank you for your well wishes. I am really looking forward to walking without pain again.


Will you come to my house in MN for a party in full costume?

http://costumerentalsmn.com/


About six years ago, when I was working for Lucasarts, I met you and your wife, at a Comic-con after party. I bummed a half dozen cigarettes, and you and your wife told us a completely crazy story. Afterwards, you made us swear never to repeat it.

I have broken promises to my wife, my mother, and to everyone else under the sun. But I have never broken my promise to Chewbacca. Just wanted you to know.

Oh and thanks for making our childhood myths as hairy as they are.

Thanks for keeping our little secret. But you gotta admit it's a great story!


Oh, goddammit. The suspense is killing me. Reddit can keep a secret, too. Right, guys?

Also, I hope your surgery goes well.

thank you.


What do you think of the trend towards darker and edgier science fiction over the past ten years like Battlestar Galactica, Farscape, etc. Also what is your favorite recent science fiction show?

We watch Falling Skies and Walking Dead. Love them both.


Is "Chewie", the movie about making Episode IV directed by Kyle Newman, still happening?

Please find Kyle and ask him...


What is your favorite moment from the Star Wars series?

When they Let The Wookiee Win..


Mr. Mayhew, my question for you is, what color lightsaber would Chewy have if he became a Jedi?

My cane is blue.


Blue is my favorite color! I feel like we've connected, Pete Ol' chum. But on a more serious note, good luck with your knees, man, I'm rooting for you.

Thanks.


I was super bummed that I missed you at Denver Comic-Con. Just wanted to say that I am a big fan!

We'll be at Salt Lake City comic con this upcoming week.


Will you acknowledge my existence? That would make my day. Star Wars shaped my youth. Thank you!

you exist.


Not so much a question as much as me just wanting you to repeat how the men and women of the US military are the real heroes because Chewbacca telling me I'm awesome never gets old

you're awesome.


Mr. Mayhew I follow you on twitter and I am endlessly amazed at your connection to the fans. I was born in 1977, my first memory is watching the ESB at a drive in when I was three or four, The Wookies Roar still sends shivers up my spine. By all rights I should have been terrified of Chewy, but I never was and I think that has a lot to do with the humanity you gave him. I absolutely hate coming off as a typical fan boy but the auspicious circumstances of my birth year and date make me as old as the series itself, every big mile stone I hit Star Wars hits at the same time so needless to say it has been a very large part of my life. I can't wait to see what comes next for Chewy and for you and I wish you well in it all.

Thank you.


What's your favorite color?

Blue


[deleted]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lenswithaview/standing-in-the-stars-the-peter-mayhew-story

...


[No question]

For all of you guys, here's a picture from 1978 of me and Darth Vader himself... http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fbxn57RNpEU/UeJly_GlP2I/AAAAAAAAU70/3LwbTgtbdyU/s320/prowseandmayhew1978.jpg


During the Clone Wars, you seemed to hold a high rank among the Wookie military on Kashyyyk. With that in mind, why would you later lower yourself to playing co-pilot to a second rate nerf herder like Han Solo?

Life debt. He saved me from slavery.


You are the inspiration of my screen name since I've had a screen name. Star Wars has been my favorite movie since I could have a favorite movie. Just thank you.

Thanks for being a fan.


A few years ago my then 6 year old daughter met you at NYCC and took a photo of you and I together, and in front of you on your table was a large rice krispie treat you were eating. Ever since then she has wondered if that was a one-time treat, or if you like them a lot and eat them often. Seriously, she brings that up every time she sees the photo. So?

Sweets are a big part of my diet. That was a great convention. Come by and say hello the next time I attend as a guest.


How is your relationship now with Harrison Ford after the Jimmy Kimmel incident?

It was an imposter chewbacca.


I recently saw you at wonder con in Anaheim. I have to ask, what is the coolest object anyone had ever asked you to sign?

One of the early R2 units which had a clear dome on the top of it. Way way back when everything was metal and this was plastic.


For the record, I don't think you are a giant walking carpet.

Also I am very excited for your upcoming projects, thank you for doing this AMA!

Thank you. I'm also looking forward to them.


Were you Chewbacca?

Yes.


Hi Mr. Mayhew! What are the best and worst things about being 7'2"? (p.s. have been a star wars fan all my life, cheers!)

It doesnt hurt being a chick magnet.


Is it offensive to you that when ridiculing my father for being cheap that I call him Jewbacca?

I love that!


I had so much fun getting to meet you at Contamination last summer for Shane's book launch! Do you ever wear your Z.O.D. shirt when you're out and about?

Also, are you & Angie planning a trip back to St. Louis any time soon?

Yes, we wore them a couple of weeks ago. The goats didnt notice.


How many AMA's are you going to do?

How many do you want?


How many AMA's are you going to do?

How many times are you going to ask the same question?


What kind of insights do you have to share on the phenomenon of being an icon to nerdy fans everywhere? For instance, have you done any convention appearances were you were really sick of the adoring fan base? Or perhaps went through a period of time where you resented the attention?

Always be polite, and that we are human beings too.


I know I am a little late but I just wanted a reply from you in Shyriiwook, PLEASE? It would make my day.

aarrragghuuhw wuuh aarrragghuuhw awwgggghhh


2 things. One, what was it like playing Chewbacca? Two, how does reddit interest you?

I love Reddit, it makes it so easy to be able to interact with the fans,

Playing Chewbacca was a wonderful experience.


I'm sure this will get lost, but just wanted to say what a pleasure you are every time you come to Le Cellier at Disney during Star Wars weekends! We always love having you and you and your family are always so sweet to us! Thank you! :)

Good food, good friends, Thanks for having us!


This interview was transcribed from an "ask me anything" question and answer session with Peter Mayhew conducted on Reddit on 2013-09-01. The Reddit AMA can be found here.