Despite being barely 112 cm tall, the actor married a woman who was only a few millimeters taller than him. The couple had two children in spite of doctors’ cautions that the kids might inherit their parents’ dwarfism.
Instead of becoming an actor in films, Kenny Baker began his career in show business as a stage performer. When he was younger, he participated in comedy and dancing troupes at fairs and circuses, where his little stature (112 cm) made him stick out.
In 1976, when he was approached to play R2-D2 in “Star Wars,” his height—which in a normal life may have been a barrier—gave him entry to the film industry.
A small, flexible actor with acting abilities was needed because the robot suit’s systems were defective at the time.
Baker was a good fit. His work as R2-D2 helped him become a global icon, despite the fact that his face was rarely seen on screen.
Yvonne Baker, Kenny Baker’s wife, was also little in stature, just like him.
Because of their similar heights and living circumstances, they were rather close; Kenny claims that they completely understood one another and supported one another throughout difficult times.
Kenny and Yvonne had two children. Interestingly, both of their children were born with normal heights, therefore none of them inherited their parents’ dwarfism.
This happens because the likelihood that a particular form of dwarfism will be inherited is significantly influenced by the type of genetic mutation.
Kenny was crushed by Yvonne’s death in 1993 after she suffered from a long illness. After she passed away, he never married again. In 2016, Kenny also died at the age of 82.