British actor Kenny Baker, who has starred as R2-D2 in six Star Wars films, has passed away at the age 81 after a long battle with illness.
When I was younger, I had always asked my parents if there was someone inside of the unit known by millions, as R2-D2. Seeing how back then we didn’t have the internet like we do know and they weren’t really into sci-fi like that. They were just being good parents and taking their son to see the movie he wanted to see. It wasn’t until many years later that I found out that there was a man inside of the R2-D2 unit and that man was Kenny Baker.
While Kenny Baker’s most notable role was R2-D2 in the first six Star War films, he was featured in several other fan and favorites, such as The Goonies, Flash Gordon, and Labyrinth.
Standing under 4Ft, Kenny Baker was told that he likely would not survive past puberty, yet managed to be the odds. No, he blasted the odds as he lived to be 81 years old. Yet, that very same condition is what ultimately landed him the role of R2-D2 and the rest is history. According to the Guardian, Kenny Baker, sadly has passed away today after a long battle with illness. The actor had previously been confined to a wheelchair during the past few years due to lung problems. Baker’s Neice, Abigail Shield had this to say about the passing;
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”
Thank you for all those years of service, Kenny! Every time I watch Star Wars and watch R2-D2 and C3Po bicker, I’ll always think of you.
Source: The Guardian
