Kenny Baker, who played R2D2 in six Star Wars films, has died.
According to The Guardian, Baker's niece said he was battling a long illness. “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.”
“He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair. 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.”
According to his website he started performing the 1950s with the Burton Lester's Midgets. He was a DJ, a Circus Clown, and a Ringmaster, then a night club performer before being hired to play the iconic robot.
He was married to actress Eileen Baker from 1970 until her death in 1993.
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