Star Wars actor Kenny Baker dies aged 81

Actor Kenny Baker who played Star Wars robot R2-D2 has died at the age of 81, the BBC reported.

The Birmingham-born actor, who stood at 3ft 8in, took on the role in the first Star Wars film in 1977.

Baker went on to star in five subsequent films, becoming a household name.

The actor's agent Johnny Mans said he had been ill for a few years and has been cared for by his nephew.

Fellow Star Wars actors Ewan McGregor and Daniel Logan, who played Boba Fett, paid tribute to Baker on Twitter.

Baker, a father-of-two, lived in Preston. His wife Eileen died in 1993.