Movie's star robot, Kenny Baker dies at 81

According to a report by empireonline, Baker was pronounced dead at the age of 81 after battling an undisclosed ailment for many months.

The 3 ft 8 actor, who is behind the legendary character, Artoo, the astromech droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars series, was credited in last year's "The Force Awakens" as "R2-D2 consultant".

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Confirming the news to The Guardian, his niece, Abigail Shield, said, “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 was born in Birmingham in 1934, but was spotted by George Lucas in 1976, who recruited him to play the plucky robot in "Star Wars" series while he was performing as part of a comedy double-act.