LONDON (AP) – Kenny Baker, the 3-foot 8-inch (1.1 meter) actor who played R2-D2 in the “Star Wars” films, has died.
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Kenny was found dead by his nephew. The character quickly became a fan favourite, and Baker became a regular sight at Star Wars fan conventions.
Baker’s contribution was also recognised with a credit in last year’s reboot Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
He also starred Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, together with three Star Wars prequels, from 1999 to 2005.
In addition to the “Star Wars” films, Mr. Baker appeared in the 1980 science-fiction film “Flash Gordon” and director Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy film “Time Bandits“, and more dramatic films such as “Amadeus” and “The Elephant Man“.
His niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian: “It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless”.
The actor who brought “Artoo” to life, Kenny Baker, has died after a long illness. “We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime”, Shield added.
Actor Kenny Baker gestures as he arrives for the United Kingdom premiere of the Star Wars Episode III in London’s Leicester Square in 2005.
Instead, Baker served as a consultant to the film and R2-D2 was played for the first time in four decades by another actor, Jimmy Vee.
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. “He was very poorly for a long time”.
Baker met his wife Eileen after he appeared on the Michael Parkinson TV show.
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. Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester. Former co-star Ewan McGregor tweeted, “It was lovely working with Kenny”. He also described Baker as “a one-off” saying he would “never forget the laughs we shared over the years”.
Actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker alongside Baker in all six “Star Wars” films, tweeted about his co-star’s death, and others remembered him for being the “heart and soul” of the series.
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Baker said he initially turned down the part.
