There was a great disturbance in the force on Saturday as reports emerged from the U.K. of the death of R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker.
The 83-year-old Baker is most famous for having played the diminutive droid in six “Star Wars” films, from “A New Hope” in 1977 to “Revenge of the Sith” in 2005. He acted as a consultant for 2015’s “The Force Awakens,” which also saw the return of several characters from the original trilogy, including Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia and Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker.
Fans of the franchise took to social media to express their condolences for the 81-year-old actor.
RIP Kenny Baker pic.twitter.com/0jBrsaI0UR
— Sean Langan (@SeanLangan97) August 13, 2016
#KennyBaker you brought life to such a beloved character and will be missed #RIP may the force be with you always pic.twitter.com/8ygmCOJjWw
— Eve ⭐ (@jedixwings) August 13, 2016
Farewell, Kenny Baker. You were a fine droid, pic.twitter.com/66K1ObUb15
— Allan Ikesaka (@AllanIkesaka) August 13, 2016
Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2. pic.twitter.com/NqOpxotxyK
— 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) August 13, 2016
Goodbye, Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/2L72s49WpE
— Dr Paul Coxon (@paulcoxon) August 13, 2016
So long, Kenny Baker, and thanks. pic.twitter.com/5Ydp7SvoVy
— Patch Zircher (@PatrickZircher) August 13, 2016
Sad news... you will be missed, Kenny Baker. :'( pic.twitter.com/vd6uvcHRM2
— Peter Townley (@TownleyPeter) August 13, 2016