Last Saturday was a sad day for Star Wars fans. We learned this past weekend that the reports of Kenny Baker's demise were not exaggerated. Initial reports that day were said to be a hoax, but they were later confirmed. Though Baker played many roles, he was most famous for bringing life to a droid close to every Star Wars fan's heart—R2-D2.

Kenny Baker had been with Star Wars since the beginning. He played R2 in every single movie, starting with Episode IV and ending with Episode III. He would have played R2 in Episode VII, if not for his failing health. He was in a wheelchair by then, though he did serve as a consultant for the character. He was also unable to go to the premiere of the film because he was too sick.

Baker also played another favorite, although minor character. He played a character named Paploo you may be familiar with from Episode VI.

Paploo, as you can see, was the one Ewok on Endor who rode away on the speeder bike to distract the storm troopers.

When told about Baker's death, George Lucas had this to say about him:

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.

To add to that, Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said:

We’re all saddened to learn of Kenny’s passing. There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is. He will be greatly missed.

Several former and current Star Wars actors who knew Kenny have also expressed their sadness at his passing:

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

Dave Prowse, the actor who actually played Darth Vader, said:

Very sorry to hear about Kenny. He was a great personal friend that I thoroughly enjoyed working with. #KennyBaker pic.twitter.com/z6mwhrZOi0
— DARTH VADER (@isDARTHVADER) August 13, 2016

Ewan McGregor, who we all know as the middle-aged version of Obiwan Kenobi from Episodes II and III, posted

So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) August 13, 2016

Kenny Baker, whose 82nd birthday would have been next week, will be missed for a long, long time. R2-D2 will never be the same again.

Do you have any memories of Kenny Baker you would like to share? Please feel free to post them in the comments. I truly would love to know your stories.