It’s a sad day for Star Wars fans. Kenny Baker, the actor behind R2-D2 in Star Wars, passed away yesterday following an extended illness.
Baker shot to fame when he portrayed the robot character in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. He was also in the Star Wars Holiday Special, and served as consultant for last year’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Apart from his iconic role in the franchise, Baker also starred in Flash Gordon and The Elephant Man.
Baker was born in Brmingham, England.
He wanted to be an engraver like his father, but lacked the education to do so.
In 1951, he was approached to join a theatrical troupe of dwarves. Standing 3’8″ tall, he later joined a circus and formed a comedy act with entertainer Jack Purvis called the Minitones. It was while doing the Minitones that George Lucas hired him to portray R2-D2.
Baker passed away on August 13, just 11 days before his 82nd birthday.
What do you think of his performance as R2-D2? Share your thoughts below!
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