Joonas Viljami Suotamo, born on October 3, 1986, in Espoo, Finland, is a Finnish actor and former professional basketball player. He is best known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, taking over the role from the original actor, Peter Mayhew.
| Name | Joonas Viljami Suotamo |
| Birth Date | October 3, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Espoo, Finland |
| Education | Pennsylvania State University |
| Profession | Actor, Former professional basketball player |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Years Active | 2015 – Present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million (as of 2023) |
Early Life and Education
Suotamo was born and raised in Espoo, Finland. He attended Pennsylvania State University in the United States, where he played basketball while studying film. Suotamo stands at 6 feet 10 inches, a height that would later come in handy when he was cast as Chewbacca, the towering Wookiee in Star Wars.
Career Beginnings and Success
Suotamo began his career as a professional basketball player. He played for his university team and later for several teams in Finland’s basketball league. However, his career took a turn when he was cast as the double for Peter Mayhew, the original actor for Chewbacca in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015).
Suotamo took over the role completely for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017) and reprised it for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). He also played Chewbacca in the standalone film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018).
Personal Life
Joonas Suotamo is married and has two children. He splits his time between the United States and Finland. Even with his Star Wars fame, he has managed to keep his personal life fairly private.
Legacy and Influence
Although relatively new to the world of acting, Suotamo has made a significant impact, particularly through his role as Chewbacca. He has been praised for capturing the essence of the beloved Wookiee character, contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Star Wars franchise. His transition from professional sports to acting is also an inspiring story for many.
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2023, Joonas Suotamo’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million. This wealth has primarily been accumulated through his role in the Star Wars franchise. His unique height and athleticism, combined with his acting skills, have made him a standout figure in the entertainment industry. As he continues his acting career, Suotamo’s net worth is likely to increase.
