Tributes Pour In Following The Passing Of ‘Star Wars’ Actor Kenny Baker

News broke earlier today that Star Wars actor Kenny Baker has passed away at age 83. The diminutive Baker was best known for his work playing R2-D2 in the first six Star Wars films, although his filmography boasts many significant contributions to film such as his work in Time Bandits and The Elephant Man.

Following word of Baker’s passing, tributes began to flood online from friends, colleagues and fans that wanted to touch on the impact he made. The comments from his co-stars truly underline that the man was something special both as a performer and as a person.

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Star Wars creator George Lucas issued a statement on StarWars.com following Kenny Baker’s passing. He heaped praise on Baker both as an actor and as a human being.

“Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances,” said George Lucas. “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.”

That sentiment was echoed by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.

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