Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca"):  09.05.01
Subj: Re: Emperor's Hammer Interview Questions 
Date: 9/5/01 10:37:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
From: PWMayhew 
To: Keiran Idanian 

1.) Why did you try out for the part of Chewbacca?
I received a phone call after having played the Minotaun in Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. The crew that I had worked with had recommended me for the part. It was a very quick interview and George simply asked if I could do the part and I was away to fit costumes within an hour.

2.) What were your favorite things about portraying Chewbacca?
It was a challenge and I was working with some great actors. I was very young in the business and full of curiosity.....I still am.

3.) What were your least favorite things about portraying Chewbacca?
A suit that was my friend in Norway and my enemy in the Desert.

4.) How hot was the Chewie suit?
It was hot, but it was a knitted suit that could breath is there was moving air around. I managed but probably didn't smell that great most of the time.

5.) Out of all the Star Wars books you've read with Chewie in them, which one is your favorite and why?
That would be Rebel Dawn, the book where Chewie gets married and you get to go to his home planet and meet his friends and family.

6.) How did you feel about Chewie dying in Vector Prime?
What should I say here, I didn't like it, of course. No one that I've spoken with liked it either.

7.) As Chewie, did you ever feel like bonking Luke Skywalker over the head? Why?
No, I don't think so, should I have?? It certainly would have changed the movie.

8.) Would you ever want to be Chewie again?
Of course I would and here's where I get to put in my request to the fans. Steve Sansweet, who can be reached through the official Star Wars Website under the Jedi Council, is in charge of Fan Relations. If you would like to see Chewie return in Episode III, please write to Steve and tell him so. I thank you.

9.) What are your favorite hobbies, and why?
My hobbies at the moment are my dog Oscar the Rhodesian Ridgeback, my two cats Cuthbert and Emie, and my two teenage daughters, they keep me busy when I'm at home. I also enjoy Do It Yourself projects around the house.

10.) What is your favorite book, and why?
Treasure Island

11.) What is your favorite movie, and why?
Star Wars and old westerns

12.) Out of everything you've been through with the Star Wars trilogy, would you do it again, if you had the choice?
Absolutely. My life would have been completely different without it.

13.) Do you have any other projects that you are currently working on?
Yes, I will put on another big hairy suit this fall to play the title role in a film called Bigfoot.