GettyYesterday the world lost yet another legend, Kenny Baker, most famous for his role as R2-D2 in the original Star Wars.
And as the world continues to mourn his loss, none other than Mark Hamill, who acted alongside Kenny throughout the original Star Wars franchise as Luke Skywalker, took to Twitter to praise his ‘lifelong friend’, reports the Mirror.
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016
In a heartbreaking message, the American actor wrote:
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend – I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for!
All in all, Kenny acted as R2-D2 in six Star Wars films and stood at 3 foot 8 inches tall in the first film back in 1977.
Following his death, at the age of 81, countless tributes flooded the Internet including one from Star Wars co-star, Ewan McGregor:
So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) August 13, 2016
May the Force be with You, Kenny Baker. RIP pic.twitter.com/KLKpGfSywG
— Prof. Antonio Paris (@AntonioParis) August 14, 2016
Rest in Peace Kenny Baker https://t.co/d1zGZYG2Ob
— Chris Moyles (@ChrisMoyles) August 14, 2016
Tonight's @starwars fireworks dedicated to Kenny Baker pic.twitter.com/2NoNrgywt7
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) August 14, 2016
What a sad note to end this day. #RIP. https://t.co/S8DlLYhRGJ
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 14, 2016
Rest in peace Kenny Baker. It was a pleasure to meet you & thank you for all the joy you brought us #R2D2forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3wnnj8Ekc3
— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) August 14, 2016
RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 13, 2016
Kenny also appeared in other hit films, such as The Goonies, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.
According to his family he had been ill for quite some time and his death was not unexpected.
Rest in peace Kenny!
