Introduction
When it comes to the Star Wars franchise, one of the most iconic characters is Chewbacca, the Wookiee warrior and co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon. While the character was originally played by Peter Mayhew, after his retirement due to health issues, the role was taken over by Joonas Suotamo. But who is Joonas Suotamo? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the man behind the Chewbacca mask.
From Basketball to Hollywood
Joonas Suotamo was born on October 3, 1986, in Espoo, Finland. Growing up, he was passionate about basketball and played for the Finnish national team. He even received a scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he played for the Nittany Lions. After graduating, he played professionally in Finland for several years before deciding to pursue his other passion: acting.
Despite having no formal training, Suotamo landed a role in the Finnish film Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning in 2005. He continued to act in Finnish films and TV shows, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he got his big break when he was cast as the body double for Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His performance impressed the filmmakers so much that he was asked to reprise the role in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
A Family Man
Despite his success in Hollywood, Suotamo remains grounded and family-oriented. He has been married to his wife, Milla Pohjasvaara, since 2018, and the couple has a daughter named Bacca (a nod to Chewbacca, of course). In interviews, Suotamo has spoken about the importance of family and how much he values spending time with his loved ones.
In addition to his family, Suotamo is also passionate about basketball and continues to play in his free time. He even played in a charity game in 2019 alongside other Finnish celebrities.
Height and Other Stats
One thing that sets Suotamo apart from other actors is his height. He stands at an impressive 7 feet tall, which makes him a natural fit for the role of Chewbacca. In addition to his height, Suotamo has a muscular build and weighs around 250 pounds.
For those who are curious, Suotamo’s IMDB page lists some other interesting stats about him, such as his shoe size (18 US), his favorite basketball team (the Boston Celtics), and the fact that he speaks four languages (Finnish, English, Swedish, and German).
Conclusion
Joonas Suotamo may have started out as a basketball player in Finland, but he has since become a beloved actor thanks to his portrayal of Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise. Despite his success, Suotamo remains down-to-earth and family-focused, and he continues to pursue his other passions, such as basketball. We can’t wait to see what he does next!
FAQ
Who is Joonas Suotamo?
Joonas Suotamo is a Finnish actor known for his portrayal of Chewbacca in the Star Wars film franchise.
What other talents does Joonas Suotamo have?
Aside from acting, Joonas Suotamo is also a former professional basketball player in Finland.
How did Joonas Suotamo become Chewbacca?
Joonas Suotamo was originally cast as a body double for Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but was later promoted to the role of Chewbacca in subsequent films.
What other films has Joonas Suotamo appeared in?
Aside from the Star Wars franchise, Joonas Suotamo has also appeared in films such as The Grinch and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Is Joonas Suotamo married?
Yes, Joonas Suotamo is married and has a daughter. He often shares photos of his family on social media.
What is Joonas Suotamo’s background?
Joonas Suotamo was born and raised in Espoo, Finland. He played basketball at Penn State University before returning to Finland to play professionally. He later pursued a career in acting.
