The makeup and creature effects artist Stuart Freeborn died on London at the age of 98, LucasFilm said Wednesday.

His granddaughter, Michelle Freeborn, said he died Tuesday from a combination of ailments.

He was know for his work creating Star Wars characters such as Yoda and Chewbacca, and also Dawn of Man apes in 2001: A Space Odyssey. By the time he started working with the George Lucas-directed franchise, Freeborn had made a name for himself in Hollywood after working on 1948's Oliver Twist, transforming Peter Sellars in 1965's Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

Lucas himself admitted in a statement that Freeborn was "already a makeup legend" when he started working on Star Wars. LucasFilm confirmed Freeborn's death, adding that he was "leaving a legacy of unforgettable contributions."

"He brought with him not only decades of experience, but boundless creative energy," Lucas said. "His artistry and craftsmanship will live on forever in the characters he created. His Star Wars creatures may be reinterpreted in new forms by new generations, but at their heart, they continue to be what Stuart created for the original films."

Michelle said her grandfather was "like a hero" to her and he inspired her and her father to get into the film industry.

"He was a really fun and imaginative individual." she said. "He gave you the feeling that if you wanted to achieve something, you should just get on and do it, and don't ever use excuses. He enjoyed life and the amazing world we live in."

Stuart was born in London and was the son of an insurance broker. He served in the air force during World War II and then worked on British cinema classics such as The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.