The actor also starred Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, together with three Star Wars prequels, from 1999 to 2005.
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Star Wars fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Kenny Baker, the actor who brought life to R2-D2 through the first six episodes of the Star Wars saga.
And Baker, because he was one of the handful of actors who featured in the original 1977 Star Wars film, and who remained associated with the film franchise for most of his working life.
His niece, Abigail Shield, confirmed his passing to the BBC and The Guardian on Saturday, noting he had been battling illness for some time. “He had a very long and fulfilled life”, she told The Guardian. “We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime”, Shield added.
Baker also appeared in films including “The Elephant Man”, “Time Bandits”, “Willow” and “Labyrinth”.
Kenny Baker first rose to celebrity in 1977 when, according to Quartz, he was hired to be the actor inside the R2-D2 costume in Star Wars.
It had been planned that Baker would reprise the role once again in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which was released a year ago, but he was unwell.
Baker died at home in bed on Saturday morning, prompting an outpouring of praise from people who described “a one-off” and a “loyal friend”. “Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester”.
Even though R2-D2’s dialogue amounted only to beeps and whistles, the droid and his lanky friend C-3PO became two of the series’ most beloved characters.
Tributes to the star have since followed, with “Lord of the Rings” actor Dominic Monaghan tweeting: “You left your legendary marks #KennyBaker #rip to a lovely gent and a fantastic legacy”.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Kenny Baker, he will be sadly missed by his legion of fans the world over.
Director Kyle Newman added: “RIP KENNY BAKER – a small man, but no small gentleman”. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit.
Actress Linda Lusardi said: “So sad Kenny Baker died last night”.
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Baker grew up in Birmingham, and was told as a child that he would probably not live past puberty. Hamill also modified a famous Star Wars line in tribute, tweeting: “He WAS the droid I was looking for!”
