Star Wars icon Kenny Baker has died at the age of 83 after a long illness. The 3ft 8in tall actor first shot to fame in 1977 after playing R2-D2 in Star Wars: A New Hope, and he would reprise the role in The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and the three prequel movies.
Baker didn’t suit back up for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but served as a consultant.
Despite being best known for being R2-D2, Baker made his presence felt in a number of other beloved 1980s films, including The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, and Flash Gordon.
His niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian the following about the actor’s legacy and final months: “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. 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.”
Baker’s death comes as very sad news, but his legacy will definitely live on thanks to passionate Star Wars fans who will forever be grateful for him bringing R2-D2 to life.
