Fans of Star Wars and movies in general were saddened yesterday at the news that Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew passed away. Some of Mayhew’s Star Wars costars, along with George Lucas, took to social media or issued statements to pay tribute and honor the late actor.

Harrison Ford shared his condolences with a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter: 

“Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. 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.”

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy singled out Mayhew’s “kind and gentle nature” in her statement:

“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. 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.”

George Lucas, who directed Mayhew in the first Star Wars movie, said: “Peter was a wonderful man. He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookiee: big heart, gentle nature…and I learned to always let him win. He was a good friend and I’m saddened by his passing.”

Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Simon Pegg, and J.J. Abrams also expressed their condolences and love for Mahyew via Twitter. See below:

Mayhew, best known for playing Chewbacca in several Star Wars films for over three decades, died Tuesday, April 30, in his North Texas home with family by his side. His family confirmed the news via Mayhew’s official Twitter. The actor was 74.