Actor who played R2D2 in Star Wars dies, aged 81

The actor who played R2D2 in the Star Wars films has died at the age of 81, his agent said. Kenny Baker, who was 3ft 8in, found fame in 1977 playing the robot in the first Star Wars film and reprised the role in subsequent films in the hit franchise.

He also appeared in Flash Gordon, Time Bandits and Mona Lisa.

Baker’s agent Johnny Mans said: “He will be sadly missed.” 20th Century Fox posted a photograph of C3PO standing next to Baker’s Star Wars character, and wrote: “Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2D2.”

Baker’s agent Mr Mans said he knew him since the 1960s when they were both club entertainers.

“He was part of a double act called the Mini-Tones, his partner being Jack Purvis, who sadly died after an accident with his car.

“We worked together in summer shows and charity events before I went on to become his agent, and his then wife Eileen and Kenny also became great friends with my own family, with Kenny visiting my home on numerous occasions.

“Kenny also went on as a solo artiste and then eventually moved into films,” he said.

Mr Mans said he was with Baker just over a year ago at a charity event at Buckingham Palace where they met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

“Kenny was truly a great friend, one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet and a fabulous and talented performer.

“My wife and family will miss him terribly, and I will never forget the laughs we shared over the years. He was a one-off. There will never be another Kenny Baker,” he said.