It’s the simple joys in life. When Candace Payne posted a Facebook Live video of herself from her car on May 19 at 2:24pm, she simply wanted to share something funny that happened to her. You’ve probably seen it by now, Candace starts giggling almost from the moment the video begins and can hardly contain her excitement as she shares what she bought from department store chain Kohl’s.
Candace eventually reveals that she bought herself a mask of Chewbacca from the Star Wars films. The Wookiee co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon has been a popular pop culture figure since 1977, but he’s probably never been more hilarious as he was when Candace placed his face and opened her mouth to do his trademark roar.
The sheer joy emanating from Candace, her non-stop giggling, and her amazement at how silly she looks wearing the Chewbacca mask quickly went viral and as of today, already has 143 million views on Facebook. People have been more than supportive of Candace’s enthusiasm, with comments including, “the most joyous Wookiee ever!,” “I’m not sure what I love more…the super cool amazing mask or the level of your joy!!!” and “So much better than a video where someone is TRYING to be funny, and we just giggle a little. This right here…pure inner joy…radiating from within!”
Not long after the video began to go viral, Kohl’s took advantage of the free publicity they received and paid Candace (now rechristened “The Chewbacca Mom”) a visit at her home. Representatives of the retail chain gifted Candace and her family Star Wars and Marvel toys, $2,500 worth of gift cards, 10,000 Kohl’s reward points, and Chewbacca masks for her husband and both her children.
Two days later, Candace was making an appearance at Good Morning America and she gamely shared another Facebook Live video of her exploring what things were like backstage right before she appeared on camera.
On May 24, Candace guested on The Late Late Show with James Corden, appearing once more in her car but this time with Corden in the passenger seat. Moments later, Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams appeared behind Corden and Candace and all three put on Chewbacca masks to share another set of giggles.
Corden then shared an email from Peter Mayhew, the actor who has played Chewbacca in all the Star Wars films, where he acknowledged how Candace’s attitude has helped share the message of Star Wars. Mayhew also invited her to come to Dallas Fan Expo, provided her family with four VIP passes, as well as a private meet-and-greet session for the man who gave the Wookiee life in the first place.
As if that wasn’t enough, Candace was then invited to the Facebook offices by founder Mark Zuckerberg to meet the people who developed Facebook Live. Candace acknowledged these people as the reason behind her newfound fame and encouraged people to applaud the efforts of the Facebook Live team.
In every video that Candace has posted, aside from her bubbly personality, one thing has shone bright and can be seen even in a galaxy far, far away: her authenticity. If there was ever any doubt, clearly, The Force is strong in Candace Payne.
