Date of Birth: August 24, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: August 13, 2016
Biography
Kenneth George Baker, known as Kenny Baker, was a British actor and musician best known for his portrayal of the beloved droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars franchise. Born on August 24, 1934, in Birmingham, England, Baker began his career in entertainment as a circus performer and nightclub entertainer. His unique stature, standing at 3 feet 8 inches (1.12 meters) due to dwarfism, led him to roles that capitalized on his distinct physical characteristics. Baker’s career breakthrough came in 1977 when he was cast as R2-D2 in George Lucas’s Star Wars. Despite the physical challenges of performing inside the droid costume, Baker’s dedication and talent brought the character to life, making R2-D2 one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. He reprised the role in six of the main Star Wars films, from the original trilogy (1977-1983) to the prequel trilogy (1999-2005). Beyond Star Wars, Baker appeared in other notable films such as “The Elephant Man” (1980), “Time Bandits” (1981), and “Labyrinth” (1986). He also worked in television and on stage, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Kenny Baker passed away on August 13, 2016, after a long battle with illness. He left behind a legacy as a beloved figure in the science fiction community and an inspiration to many.
5 Interesting Facts about Kenny Baker
1. Kenny Baker was originally reluctant to take on the role of R2-D2 but was convinced by his wife.
2. He was initially a member of a theatrical troupe called “The Minitones,” which consisted of little people performers.
3. Baker’s role in “Time Bandits” (1981) was one of his most prominent non-Star Wars roles, where he played the character Fidgit.
4. He was also a talented musician, playing instruments like the harmonica and the saxophone.
5. Despite his small stature, Baker was an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching cricket.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kenny Baker
1. “I started off in the circus. I used to do musical comedy.”
2. “I was the smallest man in the smallest part in the biggest film ever.”
3. “I feel I am representing all the little people in the world.”
4. “I didn’t even know what Star Wars was. I had never seen it!”
5. “I’ve always been a performer. I love the buzz, the excitement.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Kenny Baker’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Kenny Baker had two children with his wife, Eileen Baker. Their names are Kevin Baker and Christopher Baker.
Relevant Links
1. [Kenny Baker IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048652/
2. [Kenny Baker’s Star Wars Profile](https://www.starwars.com/databank/kenny-baker
3. [BBC News – Kenny Baker obituary](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37072736
5. [Biography on Star Wars official site](https://www.starwars.com/news/remembering-kenny-baker
