The British actor who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars films has died at the age of 81.
Kenny Baker, who was 3-foot 8-inches tall, found fame playing the droid, and went on to appear in films including Flash Gordon, Time Bandits and Mona Lisa.
Peter Mayhew (top), who plays Chewbacca, and Kenny Baker, who plays R2D2, at the Royal Premiere of Star Wars: Episode 1, The Phantom Menace at Leicester Square, London.
His Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill paid one of many glowing tributes to the actor posting on Twitter: "A lifelong loyal friend - I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for!"
His niece, Abigail Shield, says the role that made him famous in the sci-fi franchise was hugely important to her uncle:
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
