Kenny Baker, R2-D2 of Star Wars, Dies At 82

Kenny Baker, the British actor best known for playing R2-D2 in the Star Wars films has passed away after a long illness.

The 3ft 8in tall actor shot to fame in 1977 after playing the well-loved robot character. He went on to play the character in Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the three prequels from 1999 to 2005. Baker also appeared in several other films in the 1980s, including The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, Flash Gordon and Jim Henson’s Labyrith.

“He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair.” Said his niece, Abigail Shield, ”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.”

Our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Destination(Required)

Walt Disney WorldDisneyland ResortDisney Cruise LineAulani, A Disney Resort and SpaAulani, A Disney Resort and SpaUniversal FloridaUniversal HollywoodRoyal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian or other Cruise LineI don't know yet

Departure Date(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Comments, Questions or Special Requests

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!