A few years ago I wrote an article for a fundraising publication. In the article, I explored the feelings that can arise when a celebrity dies. Robin Williams had just died at the time, and I found that profoundly sad.
Yesterday the world found out about another sad celeb death: Peter Mayhew.
And today, on May the 4th (if you don't know why this is relevant, please don't tell me - I'm not a deranged fan, but definitely enjoy and respect the Star Wars universe - I may have to sit you down and force you to watch them in succession), I'm thinking about the impact his character Chewbacca had on millions of people.
What a legacy to leave behind: A much-beloved character and the ultimate in best-friend characters.
Chewbacca didn't say much... ok, he didn't say anything that wasn't a wookie growl/howl, but he had an impact all the same. Is that the definition of a life well-lived? The general public never knew Peter as Peter, and likely had never even heard his voice. But he was loved for what he did, for what he created.
Many people think that grief is a byproduct of love. Is sadness then about the love for the person who has died, or for the legacy of what the person made us feel?
No matter the reason, I'm sad the the actor who played Chewie is no longer living. RIP to a great actor, who did it all in a giant hairy costume.
No comments:
Post a Comment