STAR WARS: R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Dies at 81

The actor who played R2-D2 in the STAR WARS movies has passed away.

Kenny Baker, the British actor who played the role of R2-D2 in the first six Star Wars films, met his last moments today at age 81. Baker had been suffering from a disease for a while now, as reported by his niece, Abigail Shield.

“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless,” Shield told the press. “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.”

She also gave more details on his illness, and the most recent Star Wars premieres.

“He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair. He was very poorly for a long time. He was asked to go out to LA for the new Star Wars premiere but he was told he was too ill to travel. Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester.”

The actor was, however, able to attend the London Premiere for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Kenny Baker first joined the Star Wars world in 1977, where he began playing R2-D2 in the first Star Wars film. He continued to play the role in the rest of the movies as well.

Baker also had roles in Flash Gordon, The Elephant Man, Amadeus, Time Bandits and Labyrinth, along with other small TV appearances.

(source)