On this day in 1934, British actor Kenny Baker was born. Baker is best known for performing as R2-D2 in the ‘Star Wars’ original trilogy between 1977 and 1983 and the prequel trilogy between 1999 and 2005. At 3′ 8″ tall, he brought the droid to life from the inside. He was also originally intended for the role of Wicket the Ewok in ‘The Return of the Jedi,’ but fell ill with food poisoning. The role went to Warwick Davis instead, but Baker still played the Ewok Paploo. [90 years ago in 2024]
