Kenny Baker, the man inside R2-D2, dies at 81
In 1977 a British actor stole our hearts when he brought Star Wars' R2-D2 to life. The actor's name was Kenny Baker. Saturday Baker, who was 81, passed away after being very ill for the last few years of his life.
Baker's niece, Abigail Shield, told the Guardian his death had been expected, "but it’s sad nonetheless."
In the Star Wars universe, Baker played R2-D2 in each of the original trilogy installments: "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi." Then he returned to the silver screen for the Star Wars prequels from 1999 to 2005.
According to his IMDB page, Baker saw success outside of his role in a galaxy far, far away. He also played characters in "Flash Gordon," "Time Bandits," "The Elephant Man," and "Labyrinth."
Here's how some Star Wars fans are remembering Baker on social media:
#Legendary actor #kennybaker has passed away at 83 #rip #R2D2 You are the force now. @starwars forever pic.twitter.com/n8WULxxmdL
— Doc_Gamer (@Doc_Gamer) August 13, 2016
When I was a kid and I learned there was a human actually inside R2D2, I thought that was the most badass thing. pic.twitter.com/FLWXSi5nwu
— Lisa [lmsolak] (@ala005) August 13, 2016
"Beep-bee-bee-boop-bee-doo-weep" - That's droid speak for RIP Kenny Baker #R2D2 pic.twitter.com/R9Qj3GlMEF
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) August 13, 2016
The Force Was Strong With This One @starwars #KennyBaker #R2D2 #StarWars #Legend Kenny Baker #RIPKennyBaker pic.twitter.com/dE9vgwTuUy
— Phil Roberts (@philthecool) August 13, 2016
RIP Kenny Baker best known as R2D2 in the Star Wars movies. Loved him in Time Bandits. pic.twitter.com/ACMCIPd8Jv
— Jonathan Sothcott (@sothcott) August 13, 2016
This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Kenny Baker, the man inside R2-D2, dies at 81."