R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Passes Away

R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker has died at the age of 81, following a long illness. The star was 3ft 8in tall and has appeared in both the classic and prequel Star Wars movies, he also appeared in other movies including Flash Gordon and the Time Bandits.

His niece, Abigail Shield, paid tribute to her uncle. She told the Guardian: “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.”

Shield added: “He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair. He was very poorly for a long time. He was asked to go out to LA for the new Star Wars 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.”