The world in mourning the death of actor Peter Mayhew, 74, who was known to generations of moviegoers as the iconic character Chewbacca from Star Wars.
"It’s a huge loss. It really is and that’s something that is going to be felt and really reverberate through the community," Andrew Moyes with Fan Expo Dallas said.
Mayhew was scheduled to be a part Fan Expo Dallas over the weekend to meet the fans. Now, those same fans will memorialize the gentle giant.
"Through the show this weekend it is nice that we all are going to be coming together because we will be able to support each other as a community," Moyes "It is helpful to be able to communicate to share the stories."
While Mayhew towered over most people, they said he was unbelievably relatable.
"Very down to earth and totally accessible and that’s really what sets him apart as a truly great hero," Moyes said.
"He loved the fans," said Chris Wyman of Official Pix, who worked with Mayhew at similar autograph signing events over the last 12 years. "There was a time when pretty much every single weekend you could find Peter at a convention meeting fans."
There is an autograph booth set up where Mayhew was scheduled to appear. Fans lined up to leave messages and memories.
"It's just a deep pain...we lost Carrie Fisher and now we're losing Chewie," said Star Wars fan, Dakota Sirmons as he choked back tears. "Every time we lose one of them it's really hard to say goodbye, because you feel like you've known them forever, and now you have to wake up every day knowing that he's no longer here."
The memorial book will be presented to Mayhew’s family. The Fan Expo runs through Sunday.
