Kenny Baker, the diminutive actor who played Star Wars droid R2-D2 has passed away at the age of 81. Baker while best known for playing the round droid who was instrumental in saving the rebellion in Star Wars, by delivering the death star plans, also played in many other famous sci-fi movies.
some of Baker’s other films included “The Elephant Man”, “Flash Gordon”, “Time Bandits”, “Labyrinth”, “Willow” and all 7 star wars films. Not only was he R2-D2, he also played a GONK droid in “Empire Strikes Back” and played the Ewok Paploo, who stole a speed bike and went on a wild ride through the forests of Endor.
He also famously feuded with Anthony Daniels who plays C-3PO, who he said was “rude to him”, and that Daniels is “rude to everyone, including fans”
With his passing, one has to wonder who will take over inside the little round droid in the star wars universe. If i was to guess, I would say his good friend Warwick Davis, who stared with him in Return of the Jedi, and Willow, has the inside track to step into his shoes.
Baker is survived by his 2 children.
all of us here at geekykool, extend our sympathies to Star Wars fans everywhere, on his passing.
May the Force be with you….Always
