Kenny Baker played the lovable droid R2-D2 in the Star Wars films, achieving cult status and fans' adulation without showing his face or speaking any lines.

The 1.1 meter performer - a word he preferred to actor - inside the waste-bin-shaped costume has died at 81. Baker's nephew and caretaker, Drew Myerscough, said he found Baker dead on Saturday at his home in Preston, northwest England.

Myerscough told Sky News that Baker had suffered years of breathing problems, "which he had borne very bravely." He said the affection of Star Wars fans around the world "kept him going, without any doubt."

"He was amazed that, even after 30-odd years, the fans still basically adored him," Myerscough said.

Baker's agent, Johnny Mans, confirmed his death. He said Baker was "one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, and a fabulous and talented performer."

Mark Hamill, the Star Wars series' Luke Skywalker, tweeted: "Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination. He WAS the droid I was looking for!" - a reference to a famous line from the first film.

Actor Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in three Star Wars movies, tweeted: "So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny."

Born to a music-loving family in the central England city of Birmingham on Aug 24, 1934, Baker started performing at 16 as part of a troupe called "Burton Lester's Midgets."

Baker told The Associated Press in 1985 that Burton had asked him "What can you do?' I said I could roller skate, ride a bike and whistle. I joined them and did all that, and conjuring tricks, played drums and comedy routines as well."

Baker later worked as a DJ and circus clown, and as half a comedy-musical duo called the Mini-Tones with Jack Purvis, who also appeared in the Star Wars films.

Fame came when he was cast as the actor inside R2-D2's cylindrical robot costume in 1977's Star Wars.

"I worked the levers," he told the AP.

Baker said he initially turned down the part. In an interview on his website, he said he told director George Lucas "I don't want to be stuck in a robot, what for, for goodness sake?"

Eventually, he said he told Lucas, "I'll help you out."

Even though R2-D2's dialogue amounted only to beeps and whistles, the droid and his lanky friend C-3PO became two of the series' most beloved characters.

Baker's wife Eileen died in 1993. The couple had two sons.