video: Star Wars R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Passes Away at 81
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Kenny Baker, the actor who played R2-D2 in five of the first six Star Wars movies, passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday. Baker was scheduled to come to Rhode Island Comic Con in what was going to be his only appearance in the United States.
"We at Rhode Island Comic con wish to extend our condolences to Kenny Baker's family, and to the fan community everywhere, on the iconic star's passing today. We were all truly looking forward to his appearance at this year's show," said RI Comic Con in a statement.
Kenny Baker
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBaker began his role as R2 in the 1977 Star Wars movie and would play him in the next five movies. Baker was credited as a consultant in The Force Awakens and actor Jimmy Vee will take over the role of R2 starting in Episode VIII.
R2 is one of the main droids in the Star Wars saga, along with C-3PO, and originally belonged to Padme Amidala before being passed on to Anakin Skywalker and then finding its way to Luke Skywalker.
"Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances. A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him," said Star Wars creator George Lucas in a statment on Starwars.com.
Baker also starred in Time Bandits and Mona Lisa.
He was born in Birmingham England in 1934 and started performing in 1950 at the age of 16.
The Star Wars Community Reacts
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
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 (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016
STAR WARS⭐
— ᏚᎢᎪᎡ ᏔᎪᎡᏚ ᴛʀɪʟᴏɢʏ (@ClassicJedi77) August 13, 2016
With the loss of Kenny Baker today
Just want to think about happier days and the joy he brought so many. pic.twitter.com/Prjy5vWRnn
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