Kenny Baker, who brought R2-D2 to life in six âStar Warsâ films over almost four decades has died after battling a long illness, his agent has confirmed.
He was less than two weeks away from his 82nd birthday, according to Bakerâs website.
His body was discovered on Saturday morning by a nephew, who had been looking after him, said his agent, Johnny Mans.
The 3-foot-8-inch actor secured his big break in the first installment of the space saga in 1977 after performing in circus and cabaret shows around England. Baker would go on to play the worldâs most personable droid in the âStar Warsâ sequels and prequels, as well as consulting on 2015âs âThe Force Awakens.â
Although he was unable to attend the filmâs Los Angeles premiere due to his illness, he did make an appearance at its European premiere in a wheelchair, posing with Stormtroopers on the red carpet.
Apart from the âStar Warsâ franchise, Baker also appeared in a variety of popular films throughout the 1980s, including âFlash Gordon,â âTime Banditsâ and âLabyrinth.â
âKenny was truly a great friend, one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet and a fabulous and talented performer,â said Mans. âMy wife and family will miss him terribly, and I will never forget the laughs we shared over the years. He was a one-off. There will never be another Kenny Baker.â
Bakerâs niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian that his death was sad, but expected, as his illness had worsened significantly in recent years.
âHe had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair,â she said. âHe was very poorly for a long time. He was asked to go out to LA for the new âStar Warsâ premiere but he was told he was too ill to travel. Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester.â
Shield also notes that, because of his stature, Bakerâs family didnât expect him to survive after puberty, let alone make a name for himself in Hollywood.
âHe had a very long and fulfilled life,â she continued. âHe brought lots of happiness to people and weâll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. Weâre all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.â
Bakerâs collaborators on âStar Warsâ and others simply touched by his legacy rushed to pay tribute to the fallen actor on social media and beyond with heartfelt remembrances. His co-star Mark Hamill praised his determination and optimism, while director George Lucas described him as the âheart and soul of R2-D2.â
âKenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances,â Lucas wrote in a statement posted by New York Times reporter Dave Itzkoff. âA talented vaudevillian who could always made everybody laugh, Kenny was the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him.â
This article has been updated to include reactions from Bakerâs collaborators.