Actor Kenny Baker, 81, best known for his role as the droid R2-D2 in Star Wars movies, has died.
His niece, Abigail Shield, said he was found dead by a nephew on Saturday at his home in northwest England after a long illness.
Baker premiered as smart and smart-alecky R2-D2 in the orginial Star Wars movie, in 1977. He continued the role in the three original Star Wars films and the three prequels.
His companion droid, C-3PO, was played by Anthony Daniels in all seven movies. Scottish actor Jimmy Vee played R2-D2 in the latest installment, “The Force Awakens.”
The bio on Baker’s website says the 3’8″ actor started performing at 16 with Burton Lester’s Midgets before joining Billy Smart’s Circus as a clown. He was touring with actor Jack Purvis when the Star Wars roles came along; Purvis plays a Jawa in the original film.
Baker’s other films include “Elephant Man,” “Time Bandits” and “Flash Gordon.”