Kenny Baker, the man behind R2-D2, has passed away

Kenny Baker, the actor who portrays R2-D2 in the Star Wars saga has passed away after a long battle against an illness with his lungs. He was 83 years old.

Baker himself led quite an exemplary life, despite having the prognosis that he would not survive through puberty. He rose to fame in 1977 in the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope, and reprised his role for every other Star Wars film since. He was also quite prominent in the 1980's, appearing in movies like The Elephant Man, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.

Kenny Baker may have been the smallest of the original (and legendary) Star Wars heroes, but he was, in many ways the most memorable. Baker played R2-D2, the lovable counterpart to Anthony Daniels' C-3PO. R2, as he was lovingly referred to, often had some of the most vital roles in the entire galaxy. From holding the Death Star plans to carrying Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi, opening paths for the heroes to make a last second escape and finally holding the map to lead the Resistance to Luke Skywalker. Suffice it to say, R2-D2 has had a big hand in shaping the events of the galaxy.

It goes without saying that Star Wars will never be the same again without Mr. Baker. Rest in peace.

Source: [The Guardian]