What we know about his character
May 24, 1999
From the Official Souvenir Magazine.
Seemingly just another astromech droid in the Queen’s service, R2-D2 mettle is tested-and passes with flying colors-when Amidala’s Royal Starship is attacked. That will not be the last time the endearing driod’s heroics save the day.
About Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker has always used his diminutive size to his advantage. Born in Birmingham, England, Baker joined a stage show when he was just 16. Three years later, he attached himself to Billy Smart’s circus as a ringmaster and clown before forming a comedy and musical team with another little person that traveled the world. When initially contracted to step "inside" the role of R2-D2, Baker turned down the part, because he thought it would be too uncomfortable inside what he called a "metal vacuum cleaner." Bet he finally agreed to give to give a human dimension to the three-legged R2-series astromech droid. Outside of Artoo and Star Wars, Baker has distinguished himself in such films as The Elephant Man, Time Bandits and Amadeus.
Internet Movie Database' Filmography of Kenny Baker
- Star Wars: Episode I (1999) .... R2-D2
- U.F.O. (1994) .... Casanova
- Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989) (TV) .... Dufflepud
... aka Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (1989) (TV)
... aka Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989) (TV)
- Star Tours (1987) .... R2-D2
- Labyrinth (1986) (uncredited) .... Goblin Corps
- Mona Lisa (1986) .... Brighton Busker
- Amadeus (1984) .... Parody Commendatore
Return of the Jedi (1983) .... R2-D2/Paploo
... aka Star Wars: Episode VI: Revenge of the Jedi (1983) (USA) (working title)
... aka Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
... aka Blue Harvest (1982) (USA) (fake working title)
... aka Revenge of the Jedi (1982) (USA) (working title)
- Hunchback of Notre Dame, The (1982) (TV) .... Pick Pocket
... aka Hunchback (1982) (TV)
- Flash Gordon (1980)
- Empire Strikes Back, The (1980) .... R2-D2
... aka Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Elephant Man, The (1980).... Plumed Dwarf
- Time Bandits (1980) .... Fidgit
- Star Wars (1977) .... R2-D2
... aka Adventures of the Starkiller (1976) (USA) (working title)
... aka Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)