As Han Solo’s copilot on the smuggling ship Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca rode sidekick for every battle with the evil Galactic Empire. The 7 ft. 3 in. tall Wookie, (played by the actually 7 ft. 3 in. tall Peter Mayhew) was an enforcer, bodyguard and loyal soldier. In Episode VI: Return of the Jedi — the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy — Chewbacca helped save Han Solo from the evil Jabba the Hutt before playing a major part in the destruction of the second Death Star. For that, we bid him a hearty rawwr!
Top 10 Movie Sidekicks
There's the hero and then there's the less heralded but equally awesome friend. TIME takes a look at some of cinema's best wingmen.