Kenny Baker played the lovable droid R2-D2 in the “Star Wars” films, achieving cult status and fans’ adulation without showing his face or speaking any lines.
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In addition to the “Star Wars” films, Baker appeared in the 1980 sci-fi movie “Flash Gordon” and director Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy film “Time Bandits” as well as more dramatic films like “Amadeus” and “The Elephant Man”.
Baker’s niece Abigail Shield confirmed the actor’s passing and told The Guardian newspaper that it was “expected, but sad nonetheless”.
“He will be sadly missed”, said Mans. He had a very long and fulfilled life.
Despite a long illness, he still played the droid in the latest film in the franchise – The Force Awakens, and was one of the few “ever presents” in the entire Star Wars story.
At just 112cm tall, Baker was ideal to fit inside R2-D2’s cylinder-shaped body, winning a role in 1977 what would reshape his career and define him for the remainder of his life. “He told us, ‘I’m too old, ‘ ” Spira told The Times earlier this year.
Baker’s nephew and carer, Drew Myserscough, said he found Baker dead Saturday at his home in Preston, northwest England.
Fans and co-stars have paid tribute to Baker via Twitter.
“He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world”, Shield said. “He WAS the droid I was looking for!” he wrote.
He added: “I said, ‘I’ll help you out, I’ll do you a favour.’ George said, ‘You’ve got to do it, we can’t find anyone else”.
Although he did not voice the character, who communicated in beeps and boops, “I worked the levers”, Baker told the AP. “He was R2D2 I was lucky enough to work with him for many years RIP lovely man”.
The studio behind the original Star Wars films, 20th Century Fox, tweeted a still of R2-D2 and C-3PO and said: “Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2”.
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His wife, Eileen Baker, starred in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi”.
