Today we lost a dear friend. We’ll miss you, Kenny Baker. https://t.co/Z020FtLQpP pic.twitter.com/xDHvUurUgv
— Star Wars (@starwars) August 13, 2016
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.
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) August 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/mcgregor_ewan/status/764519004841148416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
#RIP #KennyBaker. Sad to say goodbye to a small man with a huge heart & personality. He paved the way for short actors of a generation. x
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) August 13, 2016
Kenny Baker, actor behind R2-D2, dies https://t.co/SmMSCOQfCo Hate to hear this. I worked w Kenny on Sleeping Beauty-lovely man-lovely soul
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) August 13, 2016
Rest in Peace @starwars legend #KennyBaker – whose name I learned at age 7 because he brought #R2D2 to life. Feels like losing family…
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 13, 2016
A great one- And, like Napoleon, his stature was measured not from head-to-ground but head-to-sky. A brilliant man. https://t.co/wQMsQ5Sjoz
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) August 13, 2016
— Pegg News (@simonpegg) August 13, 2016
RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 13, 2016
#KennyBaker is gone. #RIPR2D2 You will live on in this galaxy for years to come!
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 13, 2016
R.I.P. Kenny Baker #R2D2Forever
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) August 13, 2016
Saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Baker.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/blainecapatch/status/764498573404758016
You left your legendary marks #KennyBaker #rip to a lovely gent and a fantastic legacy. @starwars
— Dominic Monaghan. (@DomsWildThings) August 13, 2016
Kenny Baker. 😞 rest in power. #R2D2forever
— player/coach (@CMPunk) August 13, 2016
Sorry to hear of the passing of Kenny Baker.R2D2 to many,one half of "The Mini Tones" to me. pic.twitter.com/BRilcVDntW
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 13, 2016
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.”
