"Star Wars" R2-D2 actor passes away
15 Aug – The actor who brought to life one of the most iconic characters in the "Star Wars" universe has recently passed away.
Kenny Baker, who played the character R2-D2, succumbed to his long illness at the age of 81, The Guardian reported.
Standing at 112cm tall, Baker was first hired to be the man inside the astromech droid for the 1977 "Star Wars". He continued playing the part in 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" and 1983's "Return of the Jedi", in which he also played Paploo the Ewok.
He later returned for the 1999 to 2005 prequels, "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace", "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith".
Baker last worked on 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as a consultant to the new movie's R2-D2.
Though most well-known for his R2-D2 role, the actor had appeared in numerous other movies and TV specials since the 1960s. His other works include roles in 1980's "Flash Gordon" and 1986's "The Labyrinth", a voice role in 1999 animated movie, "The King and I" and more.
(Photo source: Movies & TV Stack Exchange | Rory Gilder/REX/Shutterstock)
