It’s a sad Saturday for the legion of the faithful scattered throughout the Star Wars galaxy, when Kenny Baker at almost 82 years old, passed away in Lanchashire, England. Kenny, also known as Kenneth George Baker, is best known for his portrayal of the endearing astromech droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars saga. Personally operating Artoo in all of the 6 Star Wars films, Kenny became sort of an icon, a legend to all Star Wars fans, for giving a distinct personality to the most beloved astromech in the world. Whether shaking because of excitement, or turning around his dome-shaped head out of disdain and amusing contempt towards fellow droid C-3PO, Kenny was able to brilliantly bring Artoo into life and winning the hearts of many along the way. True enough, Kenny was an excellent performer and actor, and he will always be remembered as the person that gave a heart and soul to the most popular robotic companion in the world.
In honor of this great man who made this Star Wars legend possible, let’s take a look at the many times Artoo made its appearance in LEGO minifigure form throughout the years. Since 1999, R2-D2 has left his mark in 36 LEGO Star Wars set according to Brickset. Over the years, we’ve seen some slight variations in printing over the minifig version of Artoo however his standard, 4-piece design has always been the same. Though these pieces and elements that makes up the iconic LEGO R2-D2 is also used in recreating some of the droids in the LEGO Star Wars theme, R2-D2 has always remained the most popular astromech minifigure across all LEGO Star Wars sets, and here are all the minifigure renditions of Artoo as he appears in them. Thanks to Brickset for all the images.
Classic R2-D2
Appears in 14 sets, with the following being the most notable.
LEGO System Star Wars X-wing Fighter (7140) – 1999
R2-D2 makes his debut appearance in this set as an official LEGO minifigure.
LEGO Star Wars Sandcrawler (10144) – 2005
R2-D2 With Serving Tray
Appears exclusively in 1 set.
LEGO Star Wars Jabba’s Sail Barge (6210) – 2006
R2-D2 With Light Bluish Gray Head
Appears in 10 sets, 3 of which are in the following Ultimate Collector Series.
LEGO Star Wars Death Star Ultimate Collector Series (10188) – 2008
LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Ultimate Collector Series (10225) – 2012
LEGO Star Wars Red Five X-wing Starfighter Ultimate Collector Series (10240) – 2013
R2-D2 as seen in the Clone Wars
Appears exclusively in 1 set.
LEGO Star Wars Anakin’s Y-wing Starfighter (8037) – 2009
R2-D2 Snowman
Appears exclusively in 1 set.
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (9509) – 2012
R2-D2 With Flat Silver Head
Appears exclusively in this Ultimate Collectors Series set
LEGO Star Wars Ewok Village (10236) – 2013
R2-D2 With Flat Silver Head, Dark Blue Printing, and Red Dots
Appears in 5 sets, most notable is his appearance in another UCS set and a SDCC 2015 exclusive.
LEGO Star Wars Sandcrawler (75059) – 2014
San Diego Comic Con 2015 LEGO Star Wars Dagobah Mini Build
R2-D2 With Flat Silver Head, Dark Blue Printing, and Lavender Dots
Appears exclusively in 1 set.
LEGO Star Wars Droid Escape Pod (75136) – 2016
Reindeer R2-D2
Appears exclusively in 1 set.
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar (75097) – 2015
To some extent, we have Kenny Baker to thank for in making R2-D2 as one of the most prolific LEGO Star Wars minifigures around. Kenny will remain a much loved personality as the astromech that he portrayed and forever immortalized in the annals of LEGO history. Though Kenny is no longer with us, he will always be remembered in all six Star Wars films as the humble little person who breathed who gave life and a personality to the most famous astromech in this side of the galaxy.
How about you, what is your most favorite LEGO R2-D2 minifigure? Share us what you think in the comments section below, or jump right in the discussions in our Facebook page.