Mark Hamill leads tributes to Star Wars R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has been leading tributes to Kenny Baker, the man who brought beloved astromech droid R2-D2 to life.

Baker, who first stepped into R2’s body waY back in 1977, became a sci-fi hero for many when he guided R2 through all three original Star Wars films and the three prequels which followed decades later.

He died yesterday after a long illness, his agent confirmed.

Hamill kept his tribute short and sweet – but it doubtless struck a chord with fans of the original films.

Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016

#RIP #KennyBaker. Sad to say goodbye to a small man with a huge heart & personality. He paved the way for short actors of a generation. x

— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) August 13, 2016

So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl

— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) August 13, 2016

Stars of the new Star Wars films also paid tribute to Baker, who had served as a R2-D2 adviser on The Force Awakens.

Rest in peace Kenny Baker. It was a pleasure to meet you & thank you for all the joy you brought us #R2D2forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3wnnj8Ekc3

— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) August 14, 2016

pic.twitter.com/I5FpQWEvK4

— Pegg News (@simonpegg) August 13, 2016

RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 13, 2016

#KennyBaker is gone. #RIPR2D2 You will live on in this galaxy for years to come!

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 13, 2016

Saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Baker.

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 13, 2016

You left your legendary marks #KennyBaker #rip to a lovely gent and a fantastic legacy. @starwars

— Dominic Monaghan. (@DomsWildThings) August 13, 2016

Sorry to hear of the passing of Kenny Baker.R2D2 to many,one half of "The Mini Tones" to me. pic.twitter.com/BRilcVDntW

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 13, 2016

But it wasn’t just Baker’s co-stars who shared their love for their dearly departed colleague. Those whose lives had been touched by R2-D2 also poured their hearts out online.

Rest in Peace @starwars legend #KennyBaker – whose name I learned at age 7 because he brought #R2D2 to life. Feels like losing family…

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 13, 2016

A great one- And, like Napoleon, his stature was measured not from head-to-ground but head-to-sky. A brilliant man. https://t.co/wQMsQ5Sjoz

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) August 13, 2016

George Lucas took time to pay tribute to Baker too, via the official Star Wars website. “Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances,” Lucas said. “A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him.”

Today we lost a dear friend. We’ll miss you, Kenny Baker. https://t.co/Z020FtLQpP pic.twitter.com/xDHvUurUgv

— Star Wars (@starwars) August 13, 2016

“We’re all saddened to learn of Kenny’s passing,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is. He will be greatly missed.”