Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

Transport bosses pay tribute to Peter Mayhew with Star Wars-themed traffic sign

Transport bosses in Manchester have paid tribute to Peter Mayhew with a touching Star Wars-themed traffic sign.

The actor, who played Chewbecca in the hit movies, died at the age of 74 on Tuesday.

His family said he died at his home in Texas with his family by his side.

TfGM have now paid tribute to him with a wookie-related pun on one of their traffic signs. 

It was spotted on Rochdale Road in the city centre on Friday afternoon.

The message reads: 'Don't drive solo. Consider walking to Wookie'.

A spokesperson for TfGM said they're pleased that their roadside messages raise a smile or two.

Peter Mayhew (PA)

They added: "Obviously, our signs are intended to provide commuters with useful travel information but it’s equally important that they do so in a way that is engaging.

“The force is strong with our travel advice and we hope that public transport passengers, motorists, cyclists and Sky-walkers continue to find them useful.”

Noel Gallagher reveals brilliant response to Wayne Rooney's 'cheeky' birthday request  

Mayhew, who was 7ft 3ins and British, played Wookiee warrior Chewbacca in Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), Revenge Of The Sith (2005) and The Force Awakens (2015).

His family said he 'put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbecca'.

They said the Star Wars family 'meant so much more' to him than a role in a film.

Harrison Ford who played Han Solo, Anthony Daniels who played the robot C3P0, Carrie Fisher who played the princess, and Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca (AP)

Shortly after the news broke, Mayhew’s fans and former co-stars paid tribute.

Harrison Ford, who played the character of Han Solo, praised him for his “great dignity and noble character”.

In a statement to the Press Association, Ford said: “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.”

Why are so many people leaving Coronation Street?  

Susanna Reid says Piers Morgan 'drove her to the booze again' when he joined Good Morning Britain  

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.