Kenny Baker, the actor who played Star Wars' iconic droid R2-D2 in the first six films, has died just two weeks short of his 82nd birthday.
His niece, Abigail Shield, confirmed his passing to the BBC and The Guardian on Saturday, noting he had been battling illness for some time. "He had a very long and fulfilled life," she told The Guardian. "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.”
Born in 1934, the 3-foot-8 British actor was making his living working in circus acts, comedy troupes and ice shows when George Lucas cast him as R2-D2 in the first Star Wars film, Episode IV: A New Hope, released in 1977.
For the third Star Wars movie, 1983's Return of the Jedi, Baker doubled up, also playing an Ewok named Paploo.
Star Wars wasn't the only big movie he took part in. He also appeared in Willow (1988), Labyrinth (1986), Amadeus (1984), Time Bandits (1981), The Elephant Man and Flash Gordon (both were released in 1980 along with The Empire Strikes Back).
Baker counted Time Bandits' Fidgit as his favorite movie role. "The director, Terry Gilliam's such a nutcase, he's so enthusiastic, you can't help enjoy it," he told the BBC in 2001.
He lost Eileen, his wife of 23 years, in 1993 but is survived by their two children.
The Star Wars community and its fans lit up Twitter with remembrances on Saturday, led by none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Ewan McGregor, and Boba Fett actor Daniel Logan.
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
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
Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2. pic.twitter.com/NqOpxotxyK
— 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) 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
RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 13, 2016
May the force be with you, Kenny Baker. #StarWars #RogueOne https://t.co/9wPjdkmn9M
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 13, 2016
