Star Wars R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Passes Away at 81
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Star Wars R2-D2 Actor Kenny Baker Passes Away at 81
"We at Rhode Island Comic con wish to extend our condolences to Kenny Baker's family, and to the fan community everywhere, on the iconic star's passing today. We were all truly looking forward to his appearance at this year's show," said RI Comic Con in a statement.
Kenny Baker
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBaker began his role as R2 in the 1977 Star Wars movie and would play him in the next five movies. Baker was credited as a consultant in The Force Awakens and actor Jimmy Vee will take over the role of R2 starting in Episode VIII.
R2 is one of the main droids in the Star Wars saga, along with C-3PO, and originally belonged to Padme Amidala before being passed on to Anakin Skywalker and then finding its way to Luke Skywalker.
"Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances. A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him," said Star Wars creator George Lucas in a statment on Starwars.com.
Baker also starred in Time Bandits and Mona Lisa.
He was born in Birmingham England in 1934 and started performing in 1950 at the age of 16.
The Star Wars Community Reacts
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
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
STAR WARS⭐
— ᏚᎢᎪᎡ ᏔᎪᎡᏚ ᴛʀɪʟᴏɢʏ (@ClassicJedi77) August 13, 2016
With the loss of Kenny Baker today
Just want to think about happier days and the joy he brought so many. pic.twitter.com/Prjy5vWRnn
Comic Con 2015
Lou Ferrigno and Mayor Jorge Elorza cut the ribbon with lightsabers and open up Comic Con 2015.
Jessica Rabbit (right) from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Captain Marvel in attendance
The Punisher took time out of his busy schedule to attend RI Comic Con.
Rapunzle from Tangled
Interesting costume
Heavy Star Wars presence at Comic Con with The Force Awakens just over one month away. Hugs for Chewbacca.
Deadpool took a break from filming his upcoming movie to come to RI Comic Con.
Raven from the DC Superhero team, The Teen Titans.
Someone let Scarecrow out of Arkham Asylum. Don't let him inject you with his fear toxin.
Bounty Hunters made their way from the Star Wars galaxy.
Hatsune Miku
Dynerays Targarian
Darth Vader was at Comic Con hunting Luke Skywalker.
Fans take thier costumes seriously, lots of effort put into this one.
She looks evil
DC Comics had a heavy presence as always. From left to right is Wonder Woman, Batman, Harley Quinn and Batman.
Hellboy made it to Comic Con
Rhode Island Comic Con was a success in 2015
Some of the more interesting costumes at Comic Con.
The NiRoPe brothers from Cardis showed up.
Lots of photo opportunities with all kinds of characters. Including unicorns.
A Pirate took a break from sailing the seas
Back to the Future anyone? The Delorean
Security please
Deadpool costumes are always popular, especially now with the movie in production.
Skeleton hands, eyeballs, a knife and more on this costume. Very creative.
Thor took a break from protecting Asgard to come and help protect RI Comic Con.
With Suicide Squad coming out early next year, Harley Quinn was a popular costume at RI Comic Con
A Dalek from Dr. Who
Editor's Note: GoLocal mistakenly identified this as a Droid from Star Wars - we apologize for the error.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Beware the Court of Owls.
A creepy faceless costume.
The Joker and Harley Quinn. Two characters that will be featured in the Suicide Squad movie.
Cruella Daville andher friends.
It's the Mario Brothers. Two Mario's, a Luigi and Toad tagging along.
Roman from RWBY and Amy from Sonic.
RWBY is a web series and it stands for Ruby,Weiss, Blake and Yang.
Captain America, Gambit (fom X-Men) and The Winter Soldier
A creepy scene.
Chewbacca, Princess Leia and Han Solo inside the Millinium Falcon ready to make the jump to light speed.
Despite Carrie Fisher dropping out last minute, her character was well represented at Comic Con. Lots of excitement for upcoming Star Wars movie.
The imperial Storm Troopers were present at Comic Con searching for Jedi Knights.
Deadpool haning out with Spider-Man and Spider-Man wearing an alternate Spidey suit.
Another busy vendor floor at Comic Con. Cool Comics, T-shirts, toys, video games and more.
Fans bring all kinds of costumes to Comic Con from all different genera's.
