Kenny Baker, the man who gave physical presence to R2-D2, one of the most beloved robots in all of science-fiction, has died. According to Variety, Baker was 81, and had been suffering from chronic illnesses for some time.
Born in England, Baker worked for several years as a performer in circus acts, comedy troupes, and ice shows. During that period, he often collaborated with actor and performer Jack Purvis—who, like Baker, was of short stature—with the two eventually going on to work together on a number of projects, including Time Bandits, Willow, and the original Star Wars trilogy.
In 1976, Baker was hired by Star Wars director George Lucas, who needed someone to portray R2-D2 from within the film’s robot suit (constructed by toy designer Tony Dyson, who died earlier this year.) Although the production did have remote control versions of the character, they were prone to ...
Born in England, Baker worked for several years as a performer in circus acts, comedy troupes, and ice shows. During that period, he often collaborated with actor and performer Jack Purvis—who, like Baker, was of short stature—with the two eventually going on to work together on a number of projects, including Time Bandits, Willow, and the original Star Wars trilogy.
In 1976, Baker was hired by Star Wars director George Lucas, who needed someone to portray R2-D2 from within the film’s robot suit (constructed by toy designer Tony Dyson, who died earlier this year.) Although the production did have remote control versions of the character, they were prone to ...
- 8/13/2016
- by William Hughes
- avclub.com
Kenny Baker, the actor who portrayed the robot R2-D2 in six Star Wars films, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 81.
Baker's niece Abigail Shield confirmed the actor's death to the Guardian. "It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life," Shield said. "He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime."
The 3-foot, 8-inch Baker started...
Baker's niece Abigail Shield confirmed the actor's death to the Guardian. "It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life," Shield said. "He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime."
The 3-foot, 8-inch Baker started...
- 8/13/2016
- Rollingstone.com
I'm saddened to report today that Star Wars actor Kenny Baker, best known for playing R2-D2, has passed away. The Guardian reported the actor "has died at the age of 81 after a long illness." [Update: The Guardian previously stated he was 83] Baker, who also played Paploo the Ewok in the Star Wars franchise, also had roles in Labyrinth, Time Bandits, and Flash Gordon. His niece Abigail Shield told the Guardian, “It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.” Baker's wife Eileen passed away in 1993, they had two children. R2-D2 was created by George Lucas, designed by Ralph McQuarrie, co-developed by John Stears, built by Tony Dyson, and had vocal effects from Ben Burtt. Baker was...
- 8/13/2016
- by Jill Pantozzi
- Hitfix
Erik Bauersfeld, the actor who provided the voice to the beloved Star Wars character Admiral Ackbar in a pair of films, died Sunday at his Berkeley, California home. He was 93. Bauersfeld's manager confirmed the actor's death to The Hollywood Reporter.
Although best remembered for voicing Ackbar – his exclamation "It's a trap!" in Return of the Jedi has been reborn as a popular meme – Bauersfeld also voiced the character of Bib Fortuna in Jedi. Bauersfeld later lent his vocal talents to Steven Spielberg's A.I.: Artificial Intelligence as well as Guillermo Del Toro's Crimson Peak.
Although best remembered for voicing Ackbar – his exclamation "It's a trap!" in Return of the Jedi has been reborn as a popular meme – Bauersfeld also voiced the character of Bib Fortuna in Jedi. Bauersfeld later lent his vocal talents to Steven Spielberg's A.I.: Artificial Intelligence as well as Guillermo Del Toro's Crimson Peak.
- 4/5/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Tony Dyson, who built the Star Wars robot R2-D2, died at his home in Malta, police said Friday. Tony Dyson, ‘Star Wars’ R2-D2 Creator, Dies at 68 Dyson’s body was discovered Friday in his residence on Gozo Island. Neighbors had called police when Dyson, a British national who had lived in Malta since the early […]
The post Tony Dyson, Creator Of ‘Star Wars’ Character R2-D2, Dies At 68 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Tony Dyson, Creator Of ‘Star Wars’ Character R2-D2, Dies At 68 appeared first on uInterview.
- 3/5/2016
- by Shantel Whitaker
- Uinterview
Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture: Alternate Trailer of the Day: For those Ghostbusters loyalists who found the trailer for the reboot to be too joke-filled, here's a new fan-cut version (via The Playlist): Candy of the Day: This Easter, instead of the usual chocolate bunnies, fill your basket with Cumberbunnies (shouldn't it be Chocolate Bennies?) in the shape of Benedict Cumberbatch (via Geekologie): Cosplay of the Day: Watch Evynne Hollins as 14 Disney Princesses together in one video singing a medley of their signature tunes (via Devour): Vintage Image of the Day: Tony Dyson, who was found dead in his home last week, with his most iconic creation, R2-D2, in the...
Read More...
Read More...
- 3/5/2016
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
Tony Dyson, the man who built the beloved Star Wars R2-D2 droid, has died at 68. The British professor and special effects supervisor was found dead by police after a neighbor reported his door had been left open, the BBC reports. While he is believed to have died of natural causes, an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death. Dyson, who was commissioned to build the various R2-D2 models used in the original film, called working on Star Wars "one of the most exciting periods of my life," according to the website. While the professor did not design the droid,...
- 3/4/2016
- by Michael Miller, @write_miller
- PEOPLE.com
Tony Dyson, the man who built the beloved Star Wars R2-D2 droid, has died at 68. The British professor and special effects supervisor was found dead by police after a neighbor reported his door had been left open, the BBC reports. While he is believed to have died of natural causes, an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death. Dyson, who was commissioned to build the various R2-D2 models used in the original film, called working on Star Wars "one of the most exciting periods of my life," according to the website. While the professor did not design the droid,...
- 3/4/2016
- by Michael Miller, @write_miller
- PEOPLE.com
THR profiles the last living silent star: Baby Peggy who is now 97 years old and at peace with the lost fortune her parents spent
The Cut talks to the immortal Bernadette Peters about her diet and exercize regimen. Takeaway: never aging in the past 30+ years is strictly regimented work!
Decider Today in TV History looks back at that great Natalie Portman episode of SNL
Av Club Steven Spielberg's career in 30 iconic shots
Angry Asian Man the nonsense Asian actors have to deal with for bit parts
Mnpp The Sebastian Stan Strut
THR Have you been keeping up with this Nina biopic drama? The Nina Simone estate is Not having it with the new biopic starring Zoe Saldana (opening in April). But Simone's daughter feels bad for the backlash against Zaldana
Variety R2-D2's model builder Tony Dyson dies at 68 years of age
i09 More diversity blunders/handwringing: Marvel...
The Cut talks to the immortal Bernadette Peters about her diet and exercize regimen. Takeaway: never aging in the past 30+ years is strictly regimented work!
Decider Today in TV History looks back at that great Natalie Portman episode of SNL
Av Club Steven Spielberg's career in 30 iconic shots
Angry Asian Man the nonsense Asian actors have to deal with for bit parts
Mnpp The Sebastian Stan Strut
THR Have you been keeping up with this Nina biopic drama? The Nina Simone estate is Not having it with the new biopic starring Zoe Saldana (opening in April). But Simone's daughter feels bad for the backlash against Zaldana
Variety R2-D2's model builder Tony Dyson dies at 68 years of age
i09 More diversity blunders/handwringing: Marvel...
- 3/4/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Tony Dyson, the man who gave the world one of its most iconic onscreen robots when he constructed Star Wars droid R2-D2, has died on the Maltese island of Gozo. He was 68. The Times of Malta reported that he probably died of natural causes. Self-described on his Facebook page as “R2-D2’s Dad,” Dyson was a familiar face at various sci-fi conventions and once described the development of R2 as one of the most exciting periods of his life. He was an employee of the UK’s…...
- 3/4/2016
- Deadline
Tennis analyst Arthur Worth “Bud” Collins has died. He was 86. Collins, who worked at Espn, NBC and CBS, began his career writing for several Boston-area newspapers. Where the journalist truly made a mark was within his chosen sport of tennis, which he also played and coached as well as covered. The flamboyant Collins actually won the 1961 U.S. Indoor Mixed Doubles Championship with Janet Hopps, and was a finalist in the French Senior doubles with Jack Crawford 14 years later. He coached tennis at Brandeis University. Also Read: Tony Dyson, Creator of 'Star Wars' Droid R2-D2, Dies at 68 In 1999, Collins was.
- 3/4/2016
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Tony Dyson, a special effects supervisor and robotics expert who built the iconic R2-D2 droid for the Star Wars franchise, was found dead on the Maltese island of Gozo where he lived. He was 68. An autopsy is being carried out to determine exact cause of death, but investigators said foul play isn't suspected and Dyson likely died of natural causes, the BBC reports.
At the time of Star Wars, Dyson was the owner of the White Horse Toy Company, which was commissioned to create the eight R2-D2 models, including four with remote control capabilities.
At the time of Star Wars, Dyson was the owner of the White Horse Toy Company, which was commissioned to create the eight R2-D2 models, including four with remote control capabilities.
- 3/4/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Tony Dyson, the man who helped the create the R2-D2 robot for the “Star Wars” films, has died. He was 68. According to multiple media reports overseas, police found his body at his home in Gozo, an island in Malta, after being called by concerned neighbors. Police suspect no foul play. R2-D2, who first appeared in 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope,” was designed by Ralph McQuarrie and John Stears. Dyson, however, was the one who created the two physical models for the film, one of which included the one that could be worn by actor Kenny Baker. Also Read: 'Star Wars:.
- 3/4/2016
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Tony Dyson, the man behind the birth of 'Star Wars' character R2-D2 has died. Sources close to Dyson tell TMZ Tony was recently at a convention in Holland and flew back to Malta where he lives. We're told Tony's girlfriend became worried when she couldn't contact him so she called the cops. When police went to Tony's house, they found his body. Local reports say police are investigating, but at this time there's nothing suspicious about his death.
- 3/4/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
On Tuesday, we brought you part one of our exclusive interview with Tony Dyson, the man who designed and built iconic movie robot R2-D2 for Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (see Related Content, right), and now, drum roll please for we have part two (betcha didn’t see that one coming, eh?) In this, Tony fills us in on the love the Star Wars cast shared for the bot, what he considers makes a good movie robot and what others onscreen machines he rates. Click over the jump for the interview.
- 11/26/2009
- Boxwish.com
It’s not every day that we get to speak to someone who’s been a part of movie lore, so chalk this up as a red letter day for Team Boxwish as we’ve spoken to robot guru, Tony Dyson. He boasts a number of impressive screen credentials which include Moonraker and Superman 2, however Tony is most famous for Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back where he led the team working on R2-D2. And ever curious to know all the trade secrets, we’ve been picking Tony’s brains on everything from how he got started in the business of robots to what he makes of CGI. Click through for the interview.
- 11/24/2009
- Boxwish.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.