RIP Kenny Baker (1934 - 2016)

English actor Mr. Kenny Baker, the stunt actor for R2-D2
in both the original and prequel films of the Star Wars franchise. RIP.

 

British-born actor Kenneth "Kenny" George Baker, best known for his role as R2-D2 in six of the Star Wars films and Fidgit in the 1981 cult classic Time Bandits passed away at his home in Preston, England, UK. 

Baker was born in Birmingham, England, UK on August 24, 1934 and died on August 13, 2016. He was 81 years old. Over his career, which spanned five decades, Mr. Baker, who stood at 3 feet 8 inches tall, played various dwarf-like characters in such notable films as: The Elephant Man (1980), Willow (1988), Labyrinth (1986), and Flash Gordon (1980).

One of this blogger's favorite childhood films was the original Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope (not the &*%$#! 1997 remastered version, the original!) and probably one of my favorite characters was the droid R2-D2. 

Since the films are among my favorites, I own copies of them on DVD along with the making of documentaries such as Empire of Dreams: The Making of the Star Wars Trilogy, which featured the actors behind the scenes. I especially loved hearing Mr. Baker talk about how he preformed his role as the droid and working with his counterpart, C-3PO played by English-born actor, Mr. Anthony Daniels.

Kenny Baker as R2-D2 with Anthony Daniels as C-3PO on the set of the original Star Wars film at Elstree Studios near London, England, UK in 1976.

Mr. Baker died in his home after a long illness on Saturday, August 13th of this year, many decades after doctors told him he would not live long past puberty. He is survived by his two children. He was an amazing man who overcame much in his life and had a great career to be proud of. 

The world will be a much poorer place without him in it, but God has a new angel in Heaven.

RIP Mr. Kenny Baker. Thank You For The Memories!