The littleStar Warsactor who helped bring heart and soul to the droid R2-D2 has died.
Kenny Baker died Saturday at age 81 after a long illness.
Representatives at Lucasfilm coonfirmed his passing to EW afterThe Guardianfirst reported his death.
Credit: Fred Duval/FilmMagic
Were all saddened to learn of Kennys passing, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said.
There is noStar Warswithout R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is.
He will be greatly missed.
Designed by Ralph McQuarrie, the Laurel and Hardy of the Skywalker universe introduced the term droids. ”They are the perfect odd couple. One is blue, short, stocky, and free; the other is golden, fussy, and rigid. More than any other robot on this list, they are fused with their performers [Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels] in voice and mannerisms.”.© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
Baker actually formed a unlikely bond with a different co-star.
From there, he literally joined the circus as clown and ringmaster.
He went on to form a musical comedy act called The Mini Tones beforeStar Warsmade him world famous.
Funeral details for Baker were not immediately announced.
Fans never saw Bakers face onscreen, but his feisty, playful spirit radiated from within.
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