Celebrities have been paying tribute to Kenny Baker following his death aged 83.

The actor, who was best known for playing R2-D2 in Star Wars, has has been remembered as a "gentleman" with a "big heart".

Ewan McGregor wrote on Twitter: "So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny."

Boba Fett actor Daniel Logan said: "So sad to hear one of my dearest friends passed away. Rest in peace Kenny Baker. Love you. Will miss you!"

George Lucas said: "Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances.

"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."

Actor and comedian Ted Robbins wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear news of death of old friend Kenny Baker -a great pro with a big heart! God Bless Pal."

Director Kyle Newman said: "RIP KENNY BAKER -- a small man, but no small gentleman."

Kenny was 3ft 8in tall and first played the robot character in the first Star Wars film in 1977.

Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan tweeted: "You left your legendary marks #KennyBaker #rip to a lovely gent and a fantastic legacy. @starwars."

Filmmaker Edgar Wright wrote on his Twitter account: "RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker."

Actress Linda Lusardi said: "So sad Kenny Baker died last night. He was R2D2 I was lucky enough to work with him for many years RIP lovely man."

Actor Rahul Kohli said: "You brought life to one of my favourite characters, thank you Kenny Baker. Rest in peace."

Fans have also been paying their respects on social media with one writing: "Rest in Peace Kenny Baker, you truly were the soul of a galaxy far, far away."

(Image: Rex)

"Sad to hear that Kenny Baker is no longer with us. R2d2 was always one of my favourite characters. The world will never see a sassier droid," another said.

The actor also starred Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, together with three Star Wars prequels, from 1999 to 2005.

The actor also appeared in other smash hit films, including The Goonies, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.

Baker's niece told the Guardian: “It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life.

(Image: Getty)

"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 grew up in Birmingham, and was told as a child that he would probably not live past puberty.

He met his wife Eileen following an appearance on the Michael Parkinson TV chat show, after she wrote in to say she was a little person and wanted to meet him, the Guardian reports.