Facts about R2-D2
Born: 1977
Birthplace: The Movies
Best known as: The rolling android sidekick to C-3P0 in the Star Wars films
R2-D2 Biography
R2-D2 is the short, dome-topped “droid” (robot) in the popular Star Wars film series created by George Lucas. R2-D2 and its sidekick C-3P0 were a hit in the original film Star Wars (1977), where they served as comic relief as they aided heroes Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). According to the storyline, R2-D2 is an “astromech droid” from the planet of Naboo, where it first served Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). R2-D2 is operated by diminutive actor Kenny Baker.
Extra credit
According to Kenny Baker’s official site, “R2-D2 was named when a technician from American Graffiti asked Lucas for reel number 2, dialogue track number 2″… Another astromech droid, BB-8, made its debut in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.