Kenny Baker, the man who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films has died at the age of 81, after battling a long illness.
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As reported by The Guardian, Baker first became famous in 1977 for playing the lovable robot in Star Wars IV: A New Hope. Even though he was a robot, R2-D2 quickly became one of the most, well, human characters in the films. Baker, who was less than four feet tall, reprised the character in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and all the prequel films.
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Baker even returned for The Force Awakens as a consultant, despite his ailing health. While he appeared at a European red carpet for the film, he wasn’t able to attend the premiere in LA. His niece, Abigail Shield, said Baker was luckily able to see George Lucas when he visited Manchester.
Baker is also known for appearances in beloved 80s films like Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.
Shield told The Guardian, “It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”
Star Wars alumni and other in the fandom have started sharing their condolences over Baker’s passing, including Mark Hamill, Ewan McGregor and Industrial Light and Magic.
Today we lost a dear friend. We’ll miss you, Kenny Baker. https://t.co/Z020FtLQpP pic.twitter.com/xDHvUurUgv
— Star Wars (@starwars) August 13, 2016
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 (@MarkHamill) August 13, 2016
The galaxy weeps for our friend Kenny Baker, the man who brought R2-D2 to life. https://t.co/wvZt0QSgbf
— Industrial Light & Magic (@ILMVFX) August 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/mcgregor_ewan/status/764519004841148416
All we can really say is…
— Bryant Francis (@RBryant2012) August 13, 2016