• Joonas Suotamo is a Finnish actor and former professional basketball player, known for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise.
• He made his first appearance as Chewbacca in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015), taking over the role from Peter Mayhew.
• Suotamo also reprised his role as Chewbacca in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016) and ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018).
• Before his acting career, Suotamo played basketball at Penn State University and in various leagues in Finland.
• Standing at 7 feet 0 inches tall, Suotamo’s height made him a natural fit for the iconic character of Chewbacca.
• He trained extensively in martial arts and physical acting techniques to prepare for the demands of playing Chewbacca.
• In addition to acting, Suotamo has been involved in various charity initiatives, particularly those supporting children’s education.
• He has a degree in sports management from Penn State University, showcasing his academic achievements alongside his athletic career.
• Suotamo’s portrayal of Chewbacca has received praise for bringing a new depth and emotional range to the beloved character.
• He has expressed a strong passion for preserving the legacy of Chewbacca, often attending fan events and conventions to connect with Star Wars enthusiasts.
