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The man behind Star Wars' R2-D2, actor Kenny Baker, has died aged 81.

Baker, who was 3ft 8in tall, first played the robot character in the first Star Wars film, A New Hope, in 1977.

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.

The Guardian, which confirmed the death, issued a statement from Baker's niece, Abigail Shield: "It was expected, but it's sad nonetheless," she said.

"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."

(Image: Getty)

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.

Over his career, which spanned five decades, his credits included The Elephant Man, Time Bandits and Flash Gordon.

The British actor met his wife, Eileen, when she wrote him a letter after seeing him on the U.K. TV chat show hosted by Michael Parkinson.

(Image: Lucasfilm Ltd)

"They got married soon after," Shield told the Guardian. "Sadly she died of epilepsy about 20 years ago."

Baker had long suffered an illness and was often in a wheelchair.

"He was asked to go out to L.A. for the new Star Wars premiere but he was told he was too ill to travel," Shield said.