Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker (born Kenneth George Baker) was born on August 24, 1934, and raised, in Birmingham, UK. Kenny attended Shaftesbury Society (a Christian care group/school for young people with disabilities) in London.
When Baker was sixteen, 1950, he joined the Burton Lester's Midgets and toured with them for three years. For the next nine years he followed with Billy Smart's Circus, Pantomime, Ice Shows, Night Clubs, and The Mini-Tones (which he formed/founded).
Baker died on August 13, 2016, he is survived by actress Valerie Gale (they lived in Ashton, Preston (NW England), two grown sons from his wife, actress Eileen Baker (1970-1993 predeceased Mr. Baker)
Film
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens~2015 - R2-D2 (consultant)
When the Devil Rides Out~2014 -
One Night at the Aristo~2013 (short) - voice of The Bartender
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith~2005 - R2-D2
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones~2002 - R2-D2
Cage, The~2002 - Merlin
24 Hour Party People~2002 - Zookeeper
Unauthorized Star Wars Story, The~1999 (V) - Himself/Interviewee/R2-D2
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace~1999 - R2-D2
Boobs in the Wood~1999 (V) - Bruce the Convict
The King and I~1999 - voice of Captain Orton
U.F.O~1994 - Casanova Prince
Willow~1988 - uncredited Nelwyn Band Member (see Actor Connections - Film)
Cannon Movie Tales: Sleeping Beauty~1987 - Elf
Star Tours~1987 (short) - uncredited R2-D2 (used on the Disney attraction)
Inside the Labyrinth~1986 - Himself
Labyrinth~1986 - Goblin Corps (see Actor Connections - Film)
Mona Lisa~1986 - Brighton Busker (see Actor Connections - Film)
Amadeus~1984 - Parody Commendatore
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi~1983 - R2-D2/Paploo and Rabin - Ewoks
Elephant Man, The~1980 - Plumed Dwarf (see Actor Connections - Film)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back~1980 - R2-D2
Disciple of Death~1972 - (see Actor Connections - Film)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory~1971 - Oompa Loompa (see Actor Connections - Film)
Circus of Horrors~1960 - Dwarf
TV
Casualty~1992-2007 -
Charles Isaac in The Miracle On Harry's Last Shift (Thanks to Chris Brown!)
Archie in Act of Faith
Star Wars: Feel the Force~2005 - Himself
Swiss Toni~2003 - Guyler in Cars Don't Make You Fat
Storybook Cinema~1994 - Dwarf in Sleeping Beauty
Man From Auntie, The~1990 - Invisible Demon in #1.5
Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader~1989 - Dufflepud (see Actor Connections - TV)
Casualty~1986 - Archie in Act of Faith
Der Rosenkavalier~1985 - Baron Och's Retinue
Adventure Game, The~1984 - HRH The Rangdo of Arg in:
#3.5
#3.3
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The~1982 - Pick Pocket
Goodies, The~1970 - Dwarf in Snow White 2 (1981)
Muppet Show, The~1980 - R2-D2 in The Stars of Star Wars
A Play for Today~1978 - in A Touch of the Tiny Hacketts
Star Wars Holiday Special~1978 - R2-D2
Man of the World~1960 - The Croat in Specialist for the Kill
Theatre
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs~2005-2006- Dwarf (Blackpool, UK) (see Actor Connections - Theatre)
Speed Dating~2005 -
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs~1999/2000 - (Hippodrome, Birmingham, UK) (each Christmas he performs)
Kenny Baker~1997 - Himself (one man show)
Live Performances
Ice Shows~ -
Night Club Performer~ - (with Jack Purvis)
Billy Smart's Circus~ - Clown/Shadow Ringmaster
Mini Tones~ - Performer
Burton Lester's Midgets~ - Performer
Performance with Kiri Te Kanawa (Royal Opera House)
Awards, Honors and Nominations
Rec'd 1979 Footprints at Graumann's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Social Media
Kenny Baker - official website
Twitter - @ActorKennyBaker
Miscellany
A short run as a Mecca Organization DJ
Will star in all seven Star Wars movies.
1979 - With Muhammad Ali.
1978 - as R2-D2 put his footprints into concrete at Graumann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood
1997 - toured Britain in a one man comedy act called 'Kenny Baker'
Baker originally turned down the role of R2-D2 because he thought it might be uncomfortable and there were no lines. The production team, lead by John Barry, persevered until Baker agreed
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