In Memoriam: Kenny Baker

According to the Guardian, Kenny Baker has passed away. Kenny Baker was a brilliant performer who entertained audiences of all ages for decades ranging as everything from a circus performer to a comedian. He starred in many films including “Time Bandits” for Terry Gilliam and in “The Elephant Man” for David Lynch. He might be best known as the performer who brought life to Artoo-Detoo from inside the costume. 

Artoo is an icon and that is in no small way because of the work Kenny Baker did. A team of artists and craftsman built a rolling garbage can and he gave it a personality with physical motion. Ben Burtt came along and added a voice that gave the character a soul.

It’s important to not conflate Baker with the one role, though. If you haven’t taken the time to watch “Time Bandits,” his business in that film is enough to make anyone realize how much of a talented, gifted performer he was. In fact, watch “Time Bandits” and get a sense of him as a person rather than a costumed actor.

The first time I met him was actually at a San Diego Comic-Con sometime between the release of “The Phantom Menace” and “Attack of the Clones.” He (along with Peter Mayhew, who he was hanging out with) might have been the first “Star Wars” actor I’d ever met. He was kind, gracious, and funny and took the time out to shake my hand. It was a kind interaction that I’ll never forget.

He passed away after a long illness.