Tributes paid to Star Kenny
TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of Kenny Baker, who famously played R2-D2 in Star Wars.
Mr Baker, who was a firm family favourite at Southport Theatre over the years, died at home in Preston on Saturday morning.
Mr Baker, who was 81, had suffered from a long-standing lung complaint.
His devoted nephew and carer, Drew Myerscough, said: “I’ve lost my best friend. My Uncle Kenny might only have been 3ft 8in but to me he was always 6ft tall.”
Baker first played the robot character R2D2 in the first Star Wars film, A New Hope, in 1977.
The actor also starred in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, together with three Star Wars prequels from 1999 to 2005.
The actor also appeared in other hit films including The Goonies, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.
Mr Baker was a regular in the Southport Theatre pantomimes during the 1990s, and often spoke fondly of the town.
Some of the biggest names in show business paid tribute to his talent.
George Lucas, who created Star Wars, said: “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.”
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the original film trilogy, wrote on Twitter: “Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend – I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for!”
Mr Baker grew up in Birmingham, and was told as a child that he would probably not live past puberty.
He met his wife Eileen following an appearance on the Michael Parkinson TV chat show, after she wrote in to say she was a little person and wanted to meet him.
Mr Baker’s wife pre-deceased him.
DO you remember Kenny Baker in Southport? Please email your memories and pictures to us at: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk