Joonas Suotamo, a Finnish actor and ex-professional basketball player, gained recognition for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise. He succeeded Peter Mayhew, initially as a stand-in, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and eventually as the main character in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Joonas Suotamo Bio Details
Full name: Joonas Viljami Suotamo
Date of birth: October 3, 1986
Age: 37 years
Nationality: Finnish
Religion: Roman Catholic
Place of birth: Espoo (Finland)
University: Pennsylvania State University
Height: 6 ft 11 in (211 cm)
Weight: 231 lbs (105 kg)
Hair color: Blonde
Eye color: Blue
Father: Viljami Suotamo
Mother: Anja Suotamo
Brother: Eemil Suotamo
Marital status: Married
Wife: Milla Suotamo
Kids: 2
Profession: Actor/Singer/Basketball player
Early Life
Jason Viljami Suotamo was born in Espoo and in his younger years, he took on various roles as a stage actor. He later enrolled at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), where he played as a power forward and center for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Alongside his passion for music, arts, and films since childhood, he pursued film and video studies at PSU.
He excelled academically at Penn State, receiving two Academic All-Big Ten team honors. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2008 after completing 3+1⁄2 years of studies. His goal was to fulfill his Finnish conscription service and pursue a career in film. He ended his service as a second lieutenant in the army.
Basketball Career
Joonas Suotamo has been a member of Finland’s basketball leagues for seven seasons, four of which were spent in the prestigious Korisliiga. In addition to his sports career, he has also worked in insurance sales. Suotamo has represented his country in three games for the senior national team and 66 games for the junior national teams.
Acting Career
Joonas Suotamo gained recognition primarily for his portrayal of Chewbacca in the popular Star Wars series. Initially, he served as a stand-in for the original actor Peter Mayhew in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), as Mayhew’s advancing age and declining health made it increasingly challenging for him to fulfill the role.
He took over the role of Chewbacca from Mayhew completely in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), while Mayhew stayed on as a consultant. He reprised the role in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Joonas Suotamo will also be making his debut in the franchise as a non-Chewbacca character, playing Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi from the High Republic era, in The Acolyte.
Personal Life
Joonas Suotama has been married to Milla Pohjasvaara since 2018. The couple are blessed with two kids- a son and a daughter. Their son is named Aatos and the actor named her daughter, Bacca, after his Star Wars character.
Net Worth
Joonas Suotamo, a Finnish actor and basketball player, has a net worth of $6 million. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Chewbacca in the popular Star Wars movie series. Suotamo assumed the role of Chewbacca after Mayhew retired due to health concerns and even acted as a body double for him.
