Ailing R2-D2 Actor Feeling 'A Lot Better'

[Kor37 9]

Ailing R2-D2 Actor Feeling 'a Lot Better'

AOL

Posted: 2008-04-14 12:48:18

Filed Under: Celeb Body Issues, Movie News

(April 14) - "Star Wars" actor Kenny Baker is feeling "a lot better" a week after being admitted into a hospital with chest pains, his son told BBC News.

 

The 73-year-old actor, who played friendly robot R2-D2 in the "Star Wars" movies, was rushed to a Manchester, England hospital after falling ill during a flight from Chicago, where he was attending a film convention. "He was very seriously ill when he flew in on Tuesday but he's out of bed now," Kevin Baker said.

 

"He's well aware of all the support he's received and thanks everyone for their kind regards."

 

Doctors believe Baker's bout with pneumonia last year may have had something to do with his current illness. "The doctors said they'd done pretty much all they could do," Kenny Baker told the BBC. "I was told he could very easily pass away in his sleep."

 

Baker said his famous dad tires quickly and needs to use a nebuliser to help him breathe.

 

The 3-foot, 8-inch actor is a regular at many "Star Wars" conventions and according to his son, "hates turning down any opportunity to appear." He said he'll try and get him to "slow down" when he gets well.

 

"He just loves going to these conventions and meeting his fans," Kevin added.

 

Besides "Star Wars," Baker's other films include "Labrynth," "Willow" and "Flash Gordon."