Tributes to Star Wars actor Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker, the Lancashire-based actor who starred as R2 D2 in Star Wars and appeared in many other Hollywood films, has died at the age of 81.
Studio: Kenny was "the heart and soul" of Star Wars
Kenny Baker has been described as "the heart and soul" of Star Wars character R2D2.
The star got his big break in 1977 when he played the robot for the first time and would go on to make devoted fans cry with joy.
Baker died at home in bed on Saturday morning, prompting an outpouring of praise from people who described "a one-off" and a "loyal friend".
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."
Actor Ewan McGregor, who appeared in three Star Wars movies, tweeted: "So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny."
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars film trilogy, paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He was the droid I was looking for!"
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Chewbacca actor's tribute to Star Wars' Kenny Baker
Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew has paid an emotional tribute to his Star Wars co-star Kenny Baker from Lancashire, who died aged 81.
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Star Wars actor Kenny Baker dies aged 81
The actor was known for playing robot R2-D2 in six Star Wars films.