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Kenny Baker, actor who played R2-D2, dead at 81

The actor remembered for playing R2-D2 has passed away.

Photo of Colette Bennett

Colette Bennett

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Photo via Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock Photo via Helga Esteb/Shutterstock | Remix by April Siese

Kenny Baker, the English actor that played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, passed away Saturday after a long illness. He was 81 years old.

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Baker’s niece, Abigail Shield, confirmed his passing in an interview with the Guardian. 

“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”

Baker appeared in many well-known films over the course of his 65 year career, including roles in Time BanditsThe GooniesLabyrinthFlash Gordon and more. The 3-foot-8-inch actor was beloved among his peers, and was regularly seen on the Star Wars convention circuit until an asthmatic condition affected his health in his early seventies.

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An outpouring of support and memorials appeared on social media websites soon after Baker’s death was confirmed.

https://twitter.com/PatrickZircher/status/764501202985816064

https://twitter.com/anivsobi/status/764500935305531392

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https://twitter.com/csdb530/status/759225103158800386

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Update 4:15pm CT, Aug. 13: Star Wars creator George Lucas has issued a statement on Baker’s death, which is included in a full write-up about the actor on the Star Wars website.

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The Daily Dot