Star Wars R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker dead at 81

Kenny Baker has died.

The 81-year-old British actor - who is best known for playing R2-D2 in the 'Star Wars' movies - passed away overnight after a long illness.

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His niece Abigail Shield told The Guardian: "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."

The 3ft 8in actor was found dead by his nephew on Saturday morning.

Abigail added: "When he was a child, he was told that he probably wouldn't survive through puberty, being a little person in those times, they didn't have a very good life expectancy. He did extremely well in his life. He was very ill for the last few years so we had been expecting it. He had been looked after by one of his nephews, who found him on Saturday morning.

Along with 'Star Wars', Kenny also appeared in 'The Elephant Man', 'Time Bandits' and 'Flash Gordon'.

Tributes to the star have since followed, with 'Lord of the Rings' actor Dominic Monaghan tweeting: "You left your legendary marks #KennyBaker #rip to a lovely gent and a fantastic legacy. @starwars."

Filmmaker Edgar Wright wrote on his Twitter account: "RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker."

Director Kyle Newman added: "RIP KENNY BAKER - a small man, but no small gentleman."

Comedian Ted Robbins wrote: "So sad to hear news of death of old friend Kenny Baker -a great pro with a big heart! God Bless Pal."

And actress Linda Lusardi said: "So sad Kenny Baker died last night. He was R2D2 I was lucky enough to work with him for many years RIP lovely man."

Drew Myerscough, his nephew and carer, also paid tribute to the late star.

According to the Daily Mirror, he said: "I've lost my best friend. My Uncle Kenny might only have been 3ft 8in but to me he was always 6ft tall.

"I went everywhere with him and when he had a gig, I looked after the sound.

"He did a turn at a nursing home about 15 years ago and on the way home in the car, he told me that going into a nursing home was his ultimate fear.

"I told him that as long as I had breath in my body I'd make sure that didn't happen.

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"So when he got sick, I looked after him and he thanked me every day."

Kenny's wife Eileen, who also had dwarfism, died over 20 years ago and Kenny is survived by sons Christopher, 43, and Kevin, 41, who did not inherit the condition, and seven grandchildren.

- Bang Showbiz; editing by Yahoo7 staff.

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