The Baltimore Comic-Con, returning to the Baltimore Convention Center on Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th, has announced their 2014 Media Guest of Honor. Peter Mayhew, known by fans the world over for his portrayal of Chewbacca, the Wookie co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Peter is currently filming Star Wars Episode VII, due to be released in 2015, and will appear all three days of the 2014 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Mayhew was born in Barnes, England, and at the age of eight was diagnosed with giantism. While working as an orderly at London’s King’s College Hospital, a reporter took a photo of him which was published in a local paper, an event that would change his life.

That photo demonstrated Peter’s towering 7’3″ figure and giant frame. By mere chance, the producers of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger saw this picture, which led to Peter being cast as the Minoton in his first film. Once Peter finished filming, he returned to his job at the hospital, only to be called again to audition with a gentleman by the name of George Lucas about his project, Star Wars. George walked into the room, Peter stood up to shake his hand like a proper Englishman, and the rest is history.

Peter brought the mighty wookiee Chewbacca to life in Star Wars (1977), The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978), Empire Strikes Back (1980), The Muppet Show (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983).

When the movies were finished, Peter moved to Yorkshire where he lived quietly for 14 years. As the Star Wars Special Edition movies were being released in 1997, Peter found himself in high demand on the SciFi Convention circuit, and began making personal appearances around the world. In 1999 he married and packed his bags, made the jump across the pond, and moved to Texas where he eventually became an American citizen.

Peter was again asked to reprise his role as Chewbacca in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, introducing Chewie’s home planet of Kashyyyk and the world of Wookiees. In 2011, Lucasfilm flew Peter and his wife Angie out to Skywalker Ranch to consult with the animators and artists as they introduced Chewie into the Clone Wars series. After 30 years, Peter’s relationship with his beloved character came full circle by having him voice Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Currently, he is on hiatus from filming the highly anticipated Star Wars Episode VII, which will be hitting theaters next year. Peter will be at the Baltimore Comic-Con all three days, signing autographs and taking photos at his table. He will also be doing a panel Sunday.

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center, which is located immediately across the street from the historic Camden Yards sports complex (which includes Oriole Park and Geppi’s Entertainment Museum). Tickets, a full guest roster, and additional information is available on the convention’s website.