4:41pm ET
Kenny Baker, the 3-foot-8-inch actor who portrayed R2-D2 for the Star Wars franchise has passed away.
Family members say Baker passed away on Saturday at his home in Preston, England. Born in Birmingham, England in 1973, her first worked as a DJ, circus clown and comedian before making it big with Star Wars.
Baker hopped inside everyone's favorite droid in 1977, and brought R2-D2 to life. R2-D2 and another droid, C3-PO became best of friends throughout the saga.
Movies he was a part of include:
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Baker also did the voice talent for R2-D2 for Disney's Star Tours attractions.
