Kenny Baker (English actor)

Kenny Baker (1934-2016) was an English actor and musician, best known for portraying the character R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise. Standing at 3 feet 8 inches (112 cm) tall, his diminutive stature allowed him to fit inside the R2-D2 costume, operating the droid using levers and controls.

Baker portrayed R2-D2 in the original Star Wars trilogy (1977-1983), the prequel trilogy (1999-2005), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), although his involvement in the latter was limited due to health issues. He also served as a consultant for R2-D2 in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), which was released posthumously.

Beyond Star Wars, Baker appeared in films such as The Elephant Man (1980), Time Bandits (1981), Mona Lisa (1986), and Labyrinth (1986*. He was also a member of the musical-comedy troupe The Mini-Tones.

Baker's portrayal of R2-D2, though largely unseen, was critical to the character's popularity and iconic status. He brought personality and charm to the droid through his movements and interactions within the suit, making him a beloved figure in cinematic history. He passed away on August 13, 2016, at the age of 81.