News broke yesterday that Kenny Baker, the actor inside iconic Star Wars droid R2-D2, had passed away. When thinking of Baker, and his role in Star Wars, in particular, it’s hard not to think of him in tandem with Anthony Daniels, the actor inside golden protocol droid C-3PO.Daniels today added his voice to the many others who have shared their thoughts about Baker via social media.
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“Sad to hear of Kenny’s passing,” Daniels tweeted. “1 of the truly original cast, so famed for his iconic role as R2. He’ll always be remembered by so many fans.”
Sad to hear of Kennyโs passing.1 of the truly original cast, so famed for his iconic role as R2. He’ll always be remembered by so many fans.
โ Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) August 14, 2016
Daniels isn’t the only fellow Star Wars family member who remembered Baker publicly. In a statement, Star Wars creator George Lucas remembered Baker as “truly the heart and soul of R2-D2.” Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy added that “There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny Defined who R2-D2 was and is.” Mark Hamill remembered Baker as “a lifelong friend.” Star Wars prequel stars Daniel Logan and Ewan MacGregor also noted Baker’s passing, with Logan referring to Baker as “one of my dearest friends,” and McGregor saying it was “lovely working” with Baker.
Baker played R2-D2 in the original Star Wars trilogy and the Star Wars prequel trilogy. He was also a consultant on R2-D2 for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and played the Ewok named Paploo in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Outside of Star Wars, Baker was known for his roles in The Elephant Man and Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits. He worked with George Lucas again in an uncredited role on the 1988 fantasy film Willow.
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