British actor Kenny Baker who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 81.
British actor Kenny Baker who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 81.
He had been ill for some time.
Baker shot to fame in 1977 when he first brought the robot to life in Star Wars. He went on to appear in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and three prequel editions.
Film studio 20th Century Fox hailed Baker as ‘the heart and soul of R2-D2’.
Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2. pic.twitter.com/NqOpxotxyK
— 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) August 13, 2016
Actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films, was among others paying tribute.
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016
He stood just three feet, eight inches tall but Kenny Baker’s contribution to cinema was huge.