Kenny Baker, the actor behind R2D2, has died

Kenny Baker, the actor who played R2D2, has passed away at the age of 81.

Baker starred in all three of the original Star Wars films and had a secondary role in Return of the Jedi as one of the Ewoks. Baker also appeared in the three prequel films, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith and was a consultant on the set of The Force Awakens. As well as Star Wars, Baker also appeared in 1983's Flash Gordon adaptation, Ron Howard's Willow and a small cameo in 24-Hour Party People.

Baker was a regular fixture on the convention circuit and was loved by fans of the series. He is survived by his two children.