Kenny Baker, AKA R2-D2, Has Died

Kenny Baker, who sprang to fame as R2-D2 in the Star Wars movies without ever showing his face, has died at the age of 81. According to The Guardian, the actor passed away after a long illness.

Baker began his show business career as a nightclub entertainer in his native England. When he was cast in as the robotic character Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, his nightclub partner Jack Purvis was cast as a Jawa.

Baker endured very challenging filming conditions to see his character quickly become a beloved icon. He appeared in the first two sequels while also winning roles in Flash Gordon, The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, Amadeus and Labyrinth, among others. The actor returned to embody R2-D2 in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and served as a consultant on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His castmates, past and present, paid tribute to him on social media.

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

So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl

— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) August 13, 2016

Rest in peace Kenny Baker. It was a pleasure to meet you & thank you for all the joy you brought us #R2D2forever ?? pic.twitter.com/3wnnj8Ekc3

— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) August 14, 2016

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