Star Wars heroes and villains unite at funeral of sci-fi icon Kenny Baker
Popular star who died after long illness is finally laid to rest
STAR Wars R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker was laid to rest today as former co-stars joined family and fans in saying farewell to the world’s most famous droid.
The 3ft 8ins actor, who appeared in the first six films of the blockbuster franchise, died after a long illness aged 81.
After his death on August 13, Star Wars creator George Lucas paid tribute to a “real gentleman” and Mark Hamill - Luke Skywalker in the films - said he had lost “a lifelong friend”.
This afternoon friends and family gathered for his funeral at Lytham Park Crematorium, near Blackpool, with Darth Vader actor David Prowse leading the tributes.
He said: "Kenny was a great man and a great friend.
"He enjoyed life to the full and loved meeting fans around the world.
"R2-D2 was a very popular character and Kenny was always in demand at Star Wars conventions far and wide.
"He will be dearly missed."
Giving his eulogy, Kenny's son Chris said: "He was well-loved. Everyone who met him loved him and dad wanted to give to people.
"I'm sure wherever he is now he will still be giving and making people laugh.
"He was a great dad. He is going to be greatly missed and I want people to enjoy the memory of him."
Mourners including comedian Bernie Clifton, model Linda Lusardi and former England footballer Kevin Davies joined his family, including long-term partner Valerie Gale and nephew and carer Drew Myerscough, and packed out the crematorium chapel.
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Baker's 4ft coffin was led in to the chapel with the sound of bagpipe music, while Willie Nelson's On The Road Again brought the ceremony to a close.
His body was later cremated.
Close pal and comedian Ken Dodd was unable to attend but sent a message that was read out during the service.
He said: "Kenny was a wonderful little man with a huge heart of gold, always laughing, always smiling, always telling jokes.
"He was R2-D2, he was our Kenny. Always a true friend, he brought joy to this world."
After starring in the original Star Wars film in 1977, Baker went on to appear in the sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and the three prequels between 1999 and 2005.
Celebrant Michael Brabin told mourners the actor originally turned down George Lucas' offer of the RD-D2 role as he didn't want to walk out on his comedy duo The Minitones, which he performed with pal Jack Purvis.
But he managed to blag his pal a part in the original Star Wars trilogy and accepted the role which would come to define his career.
Kenny also appeared in a string of other hit films, including Flash Gordon and Time Bandits.
His agent Johnny Mans said the actor had suffered respiratory problems for a few years.
He said: "Kenny was truly a great friend, one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, and a fabulous and talented performer."
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