"Star Wars" fans felt a great tremor in the Force (i.e. on social media) Saturday, as they mourned the loss of 81-year-old Kenny Baker, the British actor best-known for operating the droid R2-D2.
Baker, who stood three-foot-eight, died after a long illness. Baker's agent confirmed his death to The Associated Press.
The diminutive actor first climbed into R2-D2's hollow body for the original "Star Wars," in 1977, and went on to appear as the droid in five more films, alongside his more verbose partner, C-3PO.
When news of the death broke, Twitter users offered up a wide range of tributes to Baker, from Star Wars gifs and heartfelt messages to a mix of "bleeps" and "bloops" – the robotic language used by R2-D2 in the films.
Rest in Peace Kenny Baker. You will always be more important than C-3PO pic.twitter.com/AJFwsP6ZHf
— Kyle Keary (@Kyle_Keary) August 13, 2016
Goodbye, Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/2L72s49WpE
— Dr Paul Coxon (@paulcoxon) August 13, 2016
The Force was strong with that Astro Droid.
— WILL McCRABB (@mccrabb_will) August 13, 2016
R.I.P. Kenny Baker pic.twitter.com/M20lGKcOeM
#RIP Kenny Baker aka R2d2, gone to a galaxy far far away pic.twitter.com/ITkCPXTocX
— Gavin (@gavinnankervis) August 13, 2016
May the force be with you, Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/FXQb12Akln
— The Tower Theatre (@TowerTheatreOKC) August 13, 2016
Sad news Kenny Baker has passed away. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Mbm6m8t7Cu
— Ian Willis HBE (@iantwotars2) August 13, 2016
Several "Star Wars" actors paid tribute to their former castmate on Twitter. Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel films, tweeted that it was "lovely working with Kenny," and that he is "so sorry to hear about this."
Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, tweeted that Baker "WAS the droid I was looking for!"
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 13, 2016
A handful of users also praised him for some of his other roles over the decades.
Yes Kenny Baker played R2-D2, but let's not forget he was Fidgit in Time Bandits pic.twitter.com/MuExXwYATp
— The Brutal Artist (@TheBrutalArtist) August 13, 2016
Sad to hear about Kenny Baker. Star Wars, Time Bandits, Goonies, Willow he's done everything. Even Casualty. A great actor and legend.
— Craig (@afewpoints) August 13, 2016