Peter Mayhew

When you stand 7'3" tall, you stand out in a crowd--and sometimes, that can be a good thing--it was for Peter Mayhew.
He was working as an orderly in a London hospital when film producer Charles Schneer saw his photo, literally standing above the crowd around him. Schneer cast him as the "Miniton" in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Ray Harryhausen's newest special effects film.
His appearance in that film led to an audition for Star Wars--and his life was changed forever. He has since portrayed Chewbacca, the faithful 200 year-old Wookie in all three of the Lucas classics.
"It's wonderful. Absolutely wonderful that it's still as strong a film as it ever was." He tells interviewers. "With Star Wars fans there's always so much enthusiasm."
That enthusiasm recently culminated in new life for Chewbacca - first, as the recipient of the MTV favorite character award, then with a part in the newest STAR WARS film: Episode Three!
And Peter's life has also moved forward, with marriage and a new life here in the US.
Proving once again that it's a good thing to stand out in a crowd.