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Kenny Baker had no idea what he was getting into when he agreed to take the part of R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) in Lucas' Star Wars saga. One of the only two actors to be featured five of six films (Anthony Daniels was in all six), R2-D2 with Kenny inside is one of the foundational and most liked characters of the series.
He was born Kenneth George Baker on August 24, 1934 in Birmingham, UK. At 3'8", Kenny got beyond his lack of height to become one of the biggest and well loved stars in the United Kingdom.
At 16, Kenny was already performing with Burton Lester's Midgets. Over the years he worked as a DJ, clown, Ringmaster and in ice shows where he had the opportunity to meet the Queen.
Working as a circus and cabaret performer with Jack Purvis, Lucas pulled him away and tucked him into the "tin can" that would capture the audiences' heart. Through a combination of remote controls and Kenny's own movements within the "costume" - R2's personality and sense of humor is all Kenny! But the technology to make the role easier was far in the future and the difficulties of being R2 were constant. But Kenny survived the tight hardware exterior and the sweltering Tunisian heat on location and with the Return of the Jedi, Kenny in the R2 costume was useless and finally for Revenge of the Sith technology took over completely - R2 is completely computer generated.. Out of respect and loyalty, Lucas gave Baker screen credit.
Baker's has a solid film history and has appeared in films such as The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, the Jim Henson film Labyrinth, Mona Lisa and in the Oscar-winning Amadeus.
In the late 1990s, Baker launched a stand up comedy career. Baker currently resides in Preston, England, and in 1997 he toured Britain as a one-man comedy tour called "Kenny Baker." Making appearances at Star Wars conventions, Kenny Baker is recognized without the R2 costume and welcomed by cheering crowds.
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