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BORN
1934
DIED
2016
Kenny Baker Obituary
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless,” his niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian. “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.”
Much of that love comes from the fact that Baker was the man inside of the iconic droid R2-D2 throughout most of the “Star Wars” saga. The 3-foot-8 actor first stepped into the “dustbin” for “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1977. He shifted his weight to animate the character and operated controls inside the costume to turn the domed head. He played the character throughout the original trilogy and the prequels, and he was credited as an R2-D2 consultant in “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.”
Baker originally resisted playing a role in which audiences wouldn’t see his face. He had a successful career in British show business performing in nightclubs in the comedy act the Minitones with partner Jack Purvis. Purvis would join him playing roles as Jawas, Ugnauts, and Ewoks in the “Star Wars” films. Baker also played an Ewok who stole an Imperial speeder bike in “Star Wars: Episode IV – Return of the Jedi.”
Other films in which Baker appeared include “The Elephant Man,” “Time Bandits,” “Willow,” “Flash Gordon,” and “Labyrinth.”
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Baker was born Aug. 24, 1934, in Birmingham, England. He had no plans to enter show business until he met a woman on the street who invited him to join a theatrical group of little people. He performed in circuses and ice shows around Britain before starting his comedy duo with Purvis and getting into film.
He met his wife, Eileen, after an appearance on a TV talk show. She wrote the show, telling them that she was a little person, too, and wanted to meet him. She was an actress as well; the two soon married and eventually had two children. Shield told The Guardian that Eileen “died of epilepsy about 20 years ago.”
57 Entries
Alexis Simich
January 6, 2017
Thank you for the many hours of entertainment you have shared with us all. Rest in Peace
Lilly Laignel
November 29, 2016
My friends and I met Kenny Baker one year and spent several moments during the weekend with him. We even got to dance with him and others from the Star Wars movies. He will hold a fond memory for me forever.
Fancy dress at the caravan park!
Kim Sutherland (nee Field)
November 14, 2016
Lovely memories of Ken, Eileen, Chris and Kevin from our days at Bradgate Caravan Park, Manston, Kent back in the late 70's/early 80's. Ken and Jack had a summer season on the coast and parked their van next to ours. They came to my 18th birthday party, we visited their house etc. Lovely family. We had fun. God Bless Ken. Reunited with Eileen xx
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Pat Duplechian
September 6, 2016
My 6 year old granddaughter just loves R2-D2 today. R2D2 I believe was one of the best actors in Star Wars He will be missed
Jay
August 31, 2016
My deepest condolence to the family for your loss
August 20, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Grayden eaton
August 20, 2016
Going to. Miss. U. Buddy
.the force. Will. Be. With u always..
Scott and Mary Caldwell
August 19, 2016
It was such an honor to meet Kenny at the Star Wars Celebrations. Such a kind, soft spoken man. We will surely miss him in Orlando and all the other celebrations. R2D2 will always live on in our home!
Michael Greer
August 18, 2016
Its with a heavy heart that pay my respects to a man who entertained me time and time again. From Time Bandits ,under the Rainbow, and many more. My kids who are only three will be taught by me who Ken Baker was and how important he was 2 entertainment through the seventies and eighties thanks again for all your years of making me smile best wishes to his family. Rest in peace
Little BIG man
August 18, 2016
He will always be known by the laughs and emotions he brought to many throughout his career; specially the role of R2-D2. My sincere condolences to his children and family for the loss of their beloved father and friend. I hope that the comfort and strength from our Heavenly Father be granted to you, and help you endure this difficult moment you are dealing with; while you continue to cherish the great memories Mr. Baker and you enjoyed together.
LA
August 17, 2016
It was a joy watching him play R2-D2 in Star Wars. My condolence to the Baker family. My you receive the peace and comfort spoken of at Roman's 15:33.
Tom
August 17, 2016
To the Baker Family my condolences for your loss and my prayers are with you. I remember first watching Star Wars as a child and when I first saw R2-D2 he instantly became a favorite character. Thank you for the memories Mr. Baker.
Michael John Boyd
August 16, 2016
Here's hoping the Force awakens in your memory beyond this decade, Mr. Kenny Baker!
Jay
August 16, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you and may our Lord Jesus christ and God our father who loves us comfort your hearts and " make you firm " ( 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16, 17 )
August 16, 2016
To the family of Kenny Baker sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you rely on the God of comfort and all your beautiful memories to sustain you.
Andrea
August 15, 2016
To the Baker Family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest sympathies,
May the peace that surpasses all understanding helps as you cope with your loss.
August 15, 2016
Mr. Baker was loved by so many people.may God bless and take care of his family and friends at this time of deep. God love and care for you.
August 15, 2016
Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Evan Brooks
August 15, 2016
Thank you Mr. Baker for such an amazing childhood r2 was a big part of it thanks for the memories prayers going out to the baker family god bless and remember this isnt goodbye its see u in a little while and may the force be with you because he is now one with the force
Ann Porter
August 15, 2016
Artoo you will be missed greatly. While you were someone more than just your Star Wars character, you will live forever in the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. Rest in peace and may the Force be with you always.
Katherine Leann Ladd
August 15, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Kenny's family and friends - he was so good as R2D2!!!! Thank you Kenny for R2D2!!!! We love you - RIP
August 15, 2016
May the god of comfort be with the family in this difficult and trying time.
Gareth Withers
August 15, 2016
You were the droid we were looking for. Farewell Kenny R2D2 Baker the force will always be with you.
Abigail "Abby" Shield
August 15, 2016
I met Mr. Baker and his niece Abigail Shield, and we were all surprised that I had the same name as she did. We met at a "Star Wars" convention held in Hollywood, California. They were great company, and I enjoyed them very much. Rest In Peace Ken, God Bless You.
August 15, 2016
The family of the late Robert (Bob) Miranda send our condolences. My brother Bob spoke very highly of Kenny and enjoyed having a pint or two with him in his travels to the UK. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paulie L
August 15, 2016
With much love - May the peace and joy in your memorey for your family be even a fraction of the love and laughter you leave the rest of us.
August 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 15, 2016
Our condolences to the family and friends on this difficult time. Kenny will be always remember. May our God assign peace to the family and friends as he assure on Cor 1:3;4
Garcia
August 14, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Baker for bringing life to such a memorable character. May "the force be with you," as R2D2 will always be with us. Godspeed, to the heavens and may the angels comfort your family in prayers, love and happy, beautiful memories filled with love and laughter. Rest in Peace.
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
August 14, 2016
Dear Baker Family Rory and I wish to extend our condolences's on the loss of Kenny Baker.he'll surely be missed.Rory and I thought he was an awesome actor in R2D2.luv,Faith/Rory
Jennifer Baribault
August 14, 2016
To The Baker Family:
It was truly so sad that we have lost R2D2 that little robot past away, my heart was broken when i heard the news, i am guessing that everyone's heart was broken. Kenny was a great actor, I remember watching him in STAR WARS, the way that little control robot walks, talks to C3PO along with PRINCESS LEAH, LUKE, HAN'S SOLO & can't forget CHEW and even the way he carry his emotions.. Also, I remember my Father call my sister R2D2, me C3PO, along with my other sister was DARTH VADAR. We all missed him, but when we see all those STAR WARS MOVIE that he did we will always remember him and his legacy will caring on! My thoughts, prayers will be with you & your family at this difficult time! I do believe that he already walk through those HOLLYWOOD GATES in HEAVEN, which an ANGELA was waiting for him!!! RIP MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU R2D2.....
Uly & Lula
August 14, 2016
We share in this time of grief but also share in the love and memories of Kenny.
(Psalm 46:1)
Harry Simpson
August 14, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Carl Franks
August 14, 2016
RIP, Mr. Baker
A galaxy was always counted to be saved thanks to the smallest rebel in the Alliance. You gave R2-D2 life for nearly 40 years and your legacy will continue on in the next generation of Star Wars fans and R2 will be there to keep the galaxy safe once more.
Scott Chamberland
August 14, 2016
Rest in Peace
Jeanne Moorton
August 14, 2016
Kenny Baker brought so much joy to his fans. We will all miss him terribly. Condolences to his family & friends.
Melissa Crumpton
August 14, 2016
This is so sad. R2D2 is gone. Kenny Baker was able to use those controls to show emotions from a little robot. My husband and children found it amusing that I was able to understand R2 during the first movie out in 1977 and as we watched the first trilogy repeatedly throughout the years they realized I was right with my interpreter skills. Kenny just had the ability to use the controls to show what R2 was thinking. I am just sitting her hearing R2 doing his little voice of being sad and hanging his head down. Thank you Kenny for all of the other things you did too throughout the years.
F Montag
August 14, 2016
A wonderful actor and human being. All our Hollywood worlds would not have been possible without Mr. Baker and many other other outstanding actors like him. He will be missed, but has returned to the Sparkling Stream for a well-deserved rest.
Adrian Barnette
August 14, 2016
We'll miss you !
August 14, 2016
R.I.P.. YOU WILL SURLEY BE MISSED.. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY...
August 14, 2016
RIP Kenny Baker... in a Galaxy Far Far Away ...his legacy as R2-D2 will live on...farewell & God Bless Time Bandit!
Sheila
August 14, 2016
Godspeed Kenny.
Joseph Lafrance
August 13, 2016
I will always love R2 D2 and Kenny they were one in the same .... May the Force be with you......
G. Freeman
August 13, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 13, 2016
We love you R2-D2! My sincere condolences to your family.
Nikea Griffin
August 13, 2016
"You will and always be r2-d2 in star wars." May the force be with you."
Nikea Griffin
August 13, 2016
"You will and always be r2-d2. May the force be with you."
Patricia Heath
August 13, 2016
I will always remember you for the part you did as R2-D2 in the Star Wars movies. Thank you so much for what you did and we will dearly miss you.
Shirley
August 13, 2016
My condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mr. Kenny Baker. May God be with you all.
Bill Zurbrugg
August 13, 2016
Had the pleasure of meeting Kenny at a Star Wars national meet in Indianapolis, Indiana. RIP
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 13, 2016
rip
BARBIE FLORENCE BOLDUC
August 13, 2016
Add your message here.MAY THEFORCEBEWITHYOU
Nicholas Noel
August 13, 2016
Sorry for your lost was a good actor
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