Star Wars In Memoriam | Those We Lost In 2016

By: Benjamin Hart

The year 2016 was unfortunately trademarked by a stunning number of celebrity deaths, which included legends like Prince, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali and many others. In the Star Wars community we also lost several beloved icons. Below we put together a tribute to all those who left us last year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all their families and friends as we bid a final farewell to these artists who left their marks on the Star Wars saga.

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Kenny Baker, R2-D2, Passes Away At 81

By: Benjamin Hart

We are incredibly saddened to report the loss of a legendary member of the Star Wars family. Kenny Baker, the man under the dome of the beloved Astromech droid R2-D2, has passed away at the age of 81.

Kenny Baker portrayed R2-D2 in the original six Star Wars films and recently was credited as an "R2 Consultant" for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Standing at 3-foot, 8-inches tall, Baker famously operated many of Artoo's functions from inside the Droid's body in much of the films and helped created Artoo's iconic personality. In addition to R2-D2, in Return Of The Jedi Baker took on an additional role as Paploo the Ewok. Beyond Star Wars, Kenny had roles in such films as Flash Gordon(1980), Time Bandits(1981) and the George Lucas produced Labyrinth(1986) and Willow(1988), as well as a plethora of television series and more.

The Guardian reported the sad news of Baker's passing earlier today and received a statement from the actor's niece, Abigail Shield

“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. 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.”

On behalf of all of us here at the SWU, I would like to send our most deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Baker. He had an incredible life and career which left an indelible mark on pop culture, film and history as a whole. His continued involvement in the fan community in more recent years through appearances at conventions and other events made him a beloved member of the Star Wars family. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

If you will, share your favorite R2-D2 and/or Kenny Baker memories in the comments below.

Source: The Guardian

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Rumor: Jimmy Vee Playing R2-D2 In Episode VIII

By: Benjamin Hart

The Internet has been abuzz with the news that production for Star Wars Episode VIII was in full swing. A plethora of photos surfaced from various sources confirming that filming was taking place on the Irish island of Skellig Michael where director Rian Johnson, and even Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, we're spotted in the area. There have also been reports that a few other Star Wars stars have journeyed to the Island to participate in the filming. Just a few days ago we heard that both BB-8 and R2-D2 had been seen on Skellig Michael, and there was also a rumor floating about that Kenny Baker, who has portrayed R2-D2 in all previous Star Wars films, was there as well. Our friends at Making Star Wars are reporting that the little person seen on set that was believed to be Baker is actually Jimmy Vee.

Vee is a British actor who is know for his roles in Doctor Who and the upcoming film Pan. Star Wars 7 News reports that Vee is part of Warwick Davis' short actors agency. A photo released by the Irish Examiner reportedly shows Jimmy Vee on the docks near Skellig Michael after filming ending on Tuesday.

Standing at 3' 8" tall, Jimmy Vee is the same height as Kenny Baker, which would make him the perfect fit for R2-D2. As strange as it seems to think of someone besides Baker playing the beloved Astromech, this was inevitable. Kenny Baker just turned 81 years old last month, so it's only logical that another actor be chosen to fill in for him when he is unable play Artoo. The conditions on Skellig Michael are said to be particularly challenging, so Baker may have been unable to make the trip to the island.

Of course there's a lot of rumors and speculation here, so take this report with a grain of salt until we hear an official confirmation. Nevertheless, if this is indeed true and Jimmy Vee portraying R2-D2 for at least a portion of Episode VII, we certainly want to wish him the best and welcome him to the Star Wars family.

Star Wars Episode VIII hits theaters on May 26th, 2017!

Sources: Making Star Wars, Irish Examiner

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Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, and Kenny Baker Confirmed as Guests for Star Wars Celebration

By: Dominic Jones

Three special guests for Star Wars Celebration 2015 have been announced.  The official Celebration site announced today that Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Kenny Baker (R2-D2).  All three actors were major players in the original trilogy (and prequel trilogy in Daniels' case) and will be reprising their roles in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.  The three of them have been mainstays at the past several Celebrations and will be on hand sign autographs and take part in live stage interviews.  

Also unveiled on the Celebration site is the complete schedule for the podcast stage (including The SWU Podcast!) with 20 live podcasts taking place over the four days.

To keep up with everything going on at Celebration, be sure to download the Celebration app.

Star Wars Celebration Anaheim takes place from April 16th-19th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.  Get your tickets here.

Update: StarWars.com has also revealed the list of Tattoo artists that will be a part of the ever popular Celebration Tattoo pavillion, and more!

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