Kenny Baker, the man who brought R2-D2 to life, has passed away

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The Star Wars universe is a little darker over the weekend with news that Kenny Baker, the man who helped give R2-D2 a soul, has passed away after an extended illness. He was 81.

Many consider the charming droid to be one of the franchise’s standout characters, providing comedic relief and bravery at key moments. What people don’t realize, however, is that Baker was the one who brought Artoo to life, starting with 1977’s A New Hope.

“Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances,” Star Wars creator George Lucas said in a statement. “A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him.”

In addition to playing Artoo, Baker also played Paploo, an Ewok who hijacks a speeder bike in 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Aside from Anthony Daniels, who plays C-3PO, Baker is the only actor to have appeared in all six Star Wars movies, including the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy. He returned to the franchise again last year to consult on The Force Awakens.

“There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.