Kenny Baker, the man inside R2-D2, has died

(Lucasfilm)
(Lucasfilm)

Kenny Baker, the 112cm-tall British actor known to most as the heroic Star Wars robot R2-D2, has died.

Baker, 81, died after a long illness due to lung problems.

Thousands of tributes are being shared online, with Baker's colleagues and Star Wars heroes like Mark Hamill tweeting: "Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend - I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for!"

Not only did he perform in the three original Star Wars films from 1977 to 1983, but he also returned to the small robot costume for the prequel films from between 1999 and  2005.

Originally from Birmingham, Baker was told as a child he probably wouldn't live past puberty - but his niece Abigail Shield told The Guardian he had a very long and fulfilled life.

"He brought lots of happiness to people and we'll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We're all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.

"He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair. He was very poorly for a long time. He was asked to go out to LA for the new Star Wars premiere, but he was told he was too ill to travel. Luckily he did manage to meet George Lucas again when he came to Manchester."

Newshub.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmkq-WGWvbk