Kenny Baker Is Dead

ORIGIN
Kenny Baker was an English actor best known for his role as R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise. He was born Kenneth George Baker on August 24, 1934, in Birmingham, England. Baker had dwarfism despite his parents being of average height. He was educated at a boarding school in Kent.

CAREER
Baker initially wanted to become an engraver like his father. That dream was never realized due to a lack of education. Baker started out in the entertainment business as a member of a theatrical troupe of dwarves and midgets in 1951. He later developed his own comedy act dubbed “Minitones” alongside fellow British entertainer Jack Purvis. His early film roles include Circus of Horrors (1960), Man of the World (1962), and Dave Allen at Large (1975).

Baker landed his breakthrough role as “R2-D2” in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) directed by George Lucas. The role of R2-D2 was reprised several times including The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Other notable film appearances by Baker include The Elephant Man (1980) with Anthony Hopkins, Labyrinth (1986) with David Bowie, and Willow (1988) with Val Kilmer. His biography ‘From Tiny Acorns: The Kenny Baker Story’ was published in 2009.

PERSONAL
Kenny Baker died on August 13, 2016, at the age of 81. The official cause of death is yet to be determined. However, he was suffering from lung problems and was confined to a wheelchair prior to his death. Baker was 3ft 8in tall and had a net worth of $2 million. He was married to actress ‘Eileen’ from 1970 until her death in 1993. They had two sons, Christopher and Kevin.

Kenny Baker Bio, Net Worth, Height