'Star Wars' Actor Kenny Baker Dies at 81, Hollywood Mourns the Man Who Brought R2-D2 to Life
Kenny Baker, the actor who played R2-D2 in Star Wars has died, CBS NEWS confirms.
The 3' 8" actor shot to fame when he first played the beloved Star Wars character in 1977, and reprised his role for 1980's The Empire Strikes Back and 1983's Return of the Jedi, as well as the three prequel films from 1999 to 2005. Baker also served as consultant on 2015's The Force Awakens.
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Lucasfilm Ltd
The actor, who also starred in films such as The Elephant Man, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon, died on Saturday in his home in Preston, north west England, after suffering through years of breathing problems.
Baker's nephew and caregiver, Drew Myerscough, told Sky News that the love from Star Wars fans around the globe "kept him going, without any doubt."
"He was amazed that, even after 30-odd years, the fans still basically adored him," he said.
Baker was also adored by George Lucas, who released a heartfelt statement on the actor's death.
"Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances," he said. "A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him."
Ewan McGregor, who starred with Baker in the Star Wars prequels, took to Twitter to share his condolences.
"So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny," he wrote.
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
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"Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination," Mark Hamill tweeted shortly after. "He WAS the droid I was looking for!"
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
The rest of Hollywood soon followed with their own condolences.
RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 13, 2016
Rest in Peace @starwars legend #KennyBaker - whose name I learned at age 7 because he brought #R2D2 to life. Feels like losing family...
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 13, 2016
May the force be with you, Kenny Baker. #StarWars #RogueOne https://t.co/9wPjdkmn9M
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 13, 2016
Farewell to the heart of the heroic little bot. RIP Kenny Baker. #Starwars #R2D2 #mtfbwy pic.twitter.com/hB73Bsiur5
— Dee Bradley Baker (@deebradleybaker) August 13, 2016
Kenny Baker, actor behind R2-D2, dies https://t.co/SmMSCOQfCo Hate to hear this. I worked w Kenny on Sleeping Beauty-lovely man-lovely soul
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) August 13, 2016
Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2. pic.twitter.com/NqOpxotxyK
— 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) August 13, 2016
#KennyBaker is gone. #RIPR2D2 You will live on in this galaxy for years to come!
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 13, 2016
You brought life to one of my favourite characters, thank you Kenny Baker. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/9L53J5rN17
— Rahul Kohli (@RahulKohli13) August 13, 2016
So sad to hear one of my dearest friends passed away. Rest in peace Kenny Baker. Love you. Will miss you! pic.twitter.com/FosdwNysGk
— Daniel Logan (@Daniel_Logan) August 13, 2016
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