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.

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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.