Kenny Kenny Baker, the 3-foot 8-inch (1.1 metre) actor who played R2-D2 in the “Star Wars” films, has died.
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In addition to playing R2-D2, baker also played Paploo, the Ewok who stole a speeder bike in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Star Wars wasn’t the only George Lucas film that Baker appeared in.
His niece, Abigail Shield, confirmed his passing to the BBC and The Guardian on Saturday, noting he had been battling illness for some time.
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless”, she said. He was very poorly for a long time. “We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime”, she said.
Baker’s contribution was also recognised with a credit in last year’s reboot Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He was at a European red carpet event for the movie, but couldn’t make it to the premiere in Los Angeles. GameSpot regrets the error.
Baker’s agent Johnny Mans told the BBC that he had “been ill for a couple of years”, though did not go into any specifics regarding the exact circumstances behind his illness.
“Kenny was truly a great friend, one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet and a fabulous and talented performer”, Mans said in an email. Former co-star Ewan McGregor tweeted, “It was lovely working with Kenny”.
“Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2”, the 20th Century Fox Twitter account said.
Baker told The Associated Press in 1985 that Burton had asked him ‘What can you do?’ I said I could roller skate, ride a bike and whistle.
The R2-D2 costume worn by Kenny Baker. Despite his increasingly failing health, Baker loved to go to Star Wars conventions and meeting some of the franchise’s many fans.
Baker was predeceased by his wife, Eileen.
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Born to a music-loving family in the central England city of Birmingham on August 24, 1934, Baker started performing at 16 as part of a troupe called Burton Lester’s Midgets.
