Tributes Pour In For R2-D2 Legend Kenny Baker

Following the death of ‘Star Wars’ actor Kenny Baker over the weekend, family, friends and celebs have paid tribute to the diminutive star.

Baker had been suffering from heart disease and respiratory failure for a number of years, and though he was still attending ‘Star Wars’ events and conventions until very recently, he died on Friday at the age of 81.

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His nephew Drew Myerscough, who had also been his carer, said: “I’ve lost my best friend.

“My Uncle Kenny might only have been 3ft 8in but to me he was always 6ft tall.”

In his obituary on Starwars.com, director George Lucas said: “Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances.

“A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him.”

Kathleen Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm, said: “We’re all saddened to learn of Kenny’s passing. There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is. He will be greatly missed.”

Ewan McGregor, who worked with Baker making the ‘Star Wars’ prequel films, tweeted:

Mark Hamill also took to Twitter to pay tribute:

Committed Star Wars fan, the director Edgar Wright, added:

Anthony Daniels, who played C-3P0 to Baker’s Artoo said:

As well as his iconic role in the ‘Star Wars’ movies, Baker also appeared in films like ‘Time Bandits’, ‘Flash Gordon’, ‘Amadeus’ and ‘The Goonies’.

Warwick Davies added that he was an inspiration to him as a burgeoning actor.

Baker is survived by sons Christopher and Kevin, and niece Abigail.

Image credits: Rex Features/Yahoo File/AP