Mark Hamill, David Prowse and more reflect on death of Kenny Baker
Stars reflect on life of Kenny Baker
I can’t recall another year that’s taken so many entertainers whose careers I appreciated. From young (Anton Yelchin) to the legendary (Muhammad Ali, Prince) it’s covered all corners. This one especially hurts though since this one was one from my childhood. Kenny Baker, the man behind one of my favorite Star Wars characters, R2-D2, died today at the age of 81.
There’s some consolation in the fact that Baker got to enjoy a long life. And from every indication, he truly enjoyed his fans and appreciated their never-ending support and adoration.
I remember being a kid and being amazed that someone could actually be inside R2-D2. Baker was probably my first exposure to a little person. That definitely helped me accept that height wasn’t a prerequisite to being cool. I’m glad Baker got the opportunity to reprise his iconic role in the Star Wars prequels. Some of the best moments in that series came from R2-D2’s scenes.
[irp]
In a post on Star Wars.com, George Lucas reflected on the series’ heart and soul.
‘Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances. 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.’
Here’s some tributes to Baker from his Star Wars co-stars and other celebrities/fans.
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 (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016
Very sorry to hear about Kenny. He was a great personal friend that I thoroughly enjoyed working with. #KennyBaker pic.twitter.com/z6mwhrZOi0
— DARTH VADER (@isDARTHVADER) August 13, 2016
So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) August 13, 2016
#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
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
Saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Baker.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 13, 2016
The lovely Kenny Baker passed. I worked with him on Sleeping Beauty & he was the seetest, kindest man! https://t.co/dXkyeRuVZl
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) August 13, 2016
So sad to hear one of my dearest friends passed away. Rest in peace Kenny Baker. Love you. Will miss you! pic.twitter.com/FosdwNysGk
— Daniel Logan (@Daniel_Logan) 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