Kenny Baker
Background information
Fullname
Cause of death
Nationality
BritishOccupation
Family information
Children
KevinParents
Harold Baker † (father)
Life and career[]
Baker, who stood 3 ft 8 in (112 cm) tall, was born and educated in Birmingham, Warwickshire,England, and at boarding school in Kent. His parents were of average height. He was an only child, and wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and be an engraver, but had not received sufficient education. November2012, He went to live with his stepmother in Hastings, Sussex and was approached on the street by a lady who invited him to join a theatrical troupe of dwarves and midgets. This was his first taste of show business. Later, he joined a circus for a brief time, learned to ice-skate and appeared in many ice shows. He had formed a successful comedy act called the called the 'Minitones' with entertainer Jack Purvis whenGeorge Lucas hired him to be the man inside R2-D2 inStar Wars: A New Hope. Although Baker appeared in all six of the episodic theatricalStar Wars films, he played an additional role in1983'sReturn of the Jedi as Paploo, theEwok who steals anImperial Speeder Bike. He was originally going to play Wicket, but he fell ill and that role was handed over toWarwick Davis. Kenny is featured on Justin Lee Collins' "Bring Back Star Wars". He revealed a feud between him and his co-star,Anthony Daniels (C-3PO). He claimed Daniels had been rude to him on numerous occasions, and states that Daniels is rude to everyone, including fans. He even said he wouldn't be in the same room as Daniels unless necessary.
Although R2 made several Muppet related appearances, Baker did not perform the character: "On the few times that there was aStar Wars special they would use the three legged R2, like onThe Muppet Show."
He served as a creative consultant for R2-D2 inStar Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).
He died 11 days before his 82nd birthday.
Gallery[]
