Kenny Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenny Baker
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Baker at a science fiction convention, February 12, 2005
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| Born |
Kenneth George Baker
24 August 1934 |
| Died | 13 August 2016 (aged 81) Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
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| Cause of death | COPD |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1951–2015 |
Kenneth George "Kenny" Baker (born August 24, 1934 – died August 13, 2016) was an English actor and musician. He was best known for playing the famous robot R2-D2 in the Star Wars movies. Kenny Baker was born in Birmingham, West Midlands, and passed away in 2016.
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Who Was Kenny Baker?
Kenny Baker was a talented actor who became famous for his role as R2-D2. This little robot is one of the most loved characters in the Star Wars universe. Baker was very small in stature, which made him perfect for fitting inside the R2-D2 costume.
Early Life and Career
Kenny Baker was born on August 24, 1934. He began his career in entertainment at a young age. He first worked in a circus, performing as a clown. Later, he joined a group called "Midgets Modern" and toured with them. These early experiences helped him become a skilled performer.
Becoming R2-D2
In 1977, Kenny Baker got the role that would make him famous worldwide. He was chosen to play R2-D2 in the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope. This role was special because he had to be inside the robot costume. He controlled R2-D2's movements, bringing the character to life.
He continued to play R2-D2 in many Star Wars films. These included The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and the prequel trilogy. He even appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. His work helped make R2-D2 a beloved character for millions of fans.
Other Roles and Talents
Besides R2-D2, Kenny Baker also acted in other movies. He appeared in films like The Elephant Man (1980) and Time Bandits (1981). He also had a role in the fantasy movie Labyrinth (1986).
Kenny Baker was also a talented musician. He played the harmonica and performed in a band. He enjoyed entertaining people both on screen and through music.
Later Life and Legacy
Kenny Baker continued to attend Star Wars fan events and conventions. He loved meeting fans and sharing stories about his time as R2-D2. He was always grateful for the support he received.
Kenny Baker passed away on August 13, 2016, just before his 82nd birthday. He left behind a wonderful legacy. He will always be remembered as the person who gave life to one of the most iconic robots in movie history. His work brought joy to many generations of Star Wars fans.
