Posted on 10/12/2005 4:38:43 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a Wookiee named Chewbacca growled and howled his way through "Star Wars" movies. On Monday, the actor who played him will take the oath to become an American citizen.
British-born Peter Mayhew will be among 441 people from 77 countries who will become naturalized Americans in a ceremony in Arlington, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.
Mayhew, 60, played the fur-covered warrior Chewbacca in the original "Star Wars" trilogy of the 1970s and 1980s, and the latest movie, "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
"I got married to a Texan lady. That more or less decided it," said Mayhew, who has been married to his wife, Angelique, for six years.
In most cases, an immigrant must be a legal permanent resident for five years before becoming a citizen. The wait is three years if the person marries a U.S. citizen. He also must pass history, English and civics exams.
"I've always been interested in the cowboys and the history of the West and the history of America, so it wasn't so bad," Mayhew said in a telephone interview Wednesday. He was being driven by his wife to buy a suit for the occasion. It will be the conventional type — not the brown, furry sort.
"I am feeling very happy about it," Mayhew said. "Whatever people say about America, it is still one of the most wonderful countries in the world, despite the politics, religion and everything else that goes on."
"I know that I have the best of both worlds with the dual nationality," he said.
When he takes his oath to become an American, Mayhew said he'll recite what he can remember and "it will be a Chewie growl for the other parts."
Cool.
Cool.
LVM
Is that supposed to be a compliment?
Yeah, it's a big problem when a country has politics, religion, and all that other weird stuff.
He sounds like a noodle!
That was my question also. Is he sure he wants to become an American? Hasn't he just embraced every Anti-American stereotype? Yuck, go back where you came from Chewy.
Sounds like we gained another proud liberal voter. Maybe he will choke on a fur ball or get a terminal infestation of fleas.
I like the part about having to learn our history and language, etc. But dual citizenship? Isn't that a lot like having 2 wives?
It's the taxes. The UK taxes. Would you like "supersized"? Not the Texas.
Wonder how many current High School graduates could qualify to become citizens.
He's very excited.
Don't give your day job, Peter.
Space Aliens!
ping
Yep. We grow 'em big (and hairy) here in the Lone STAR State!
His wife, Angelique?
LOL! It's a figure of speech :-).
He said "dual nationality," not "dual citizenship." Not the same thing.
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