Kenny Baker, actor behind R2-D2, dies

[MowCowWhoHow III]

Source: The Guardian

The British actor who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films has died at the age of 83 after a long illness.

Kenny Baker, who was 3ft 8in tall, shot to fame in 1977 when he first played the robot character.

He went on to play the character in the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as the three Star Wars prequels from 1999 to 2005.

Baker also appeared in a number of other much-loved films in the 1980s, including The Goonies, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/aug/13/kenny-baker-r2-d2-dies-star-wars?CMP=share_btn_tw

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RIP2D2

[Third Doctor]

1. Sad

I was wondering was he ill when he didn't reprise his role in episode VII.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Wow. R.I.P.

Considering that like Anthony Daniels, he was encased in a costume, he was able to bring "life" to the beloved droid character, which is a testament to the challenges he faced while in-costume.





Condolences to his family and thank you for helping to make me a long time fan.

[niyad]

4. thankl you so much for showing us two remarkable people behind two remarkable characters.

[niyad]

3. requiescat in pace

[sinkingfeeling]

5. We will always love your R2D2. R.I.P.

[Aristus]

6. Rest In Peace, Kenny.

You were hilarious as the parody Commendatore in Amadeus...

[KewlKat]

7. While looking for an obit, I found this

Kenny Baker Death Hoax Dismissed Since Actor Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Friday (August 12) the actor's reps officially confirmed that Kenny Baker is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved actor. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

http://en.mediamass.net/people/kenny-baker/deathhoax.html

[dbackjon]

8. It's on the BBC, Guardian, etc

I would trust them.

[KewlKat]

13. Thanks

[MADem]

16. Apparently Guardian has it. This might be a hoax of a hoax...?

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/aug/13/kenny-baker-r2-d2-dies-star-wars

VARIETY has it too--they don't usually eff up:

http://variety.com/2016/film/people-news/kenny-baker-dead-star-wars-r2d2-actor-1201837073/

Entertainment News as well:


http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/13/kenny-baker-dead-star-wars-r2-d2-actor-dies-83

And Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3739091/R2-D2-dead-3ft-8in-actor-Kenny-Baker-83-portrayed-bleeping-Star-Wars-droid-passed-away.html

[angrychair]

10. May the force be with you Kenny

Thank you for your sharing your amazing talents with us Kenny. You made Star Wars come to life.

[47of74]

11. RIP R2

[Javaman]

12. Thank you so much, Mr. Baker, my you rest in peace. nt

[Spitfire of ATJ]

14. He brought that ash can to life.

[pansypoo53219]

15. time bandits. i love that film.