(CNN) — Kenny Baker, the British actor who gave life to the droid R2-D2 in the "Star Wars" films, has died at the age of 81, according to his niece, Abigail Shield.
Baker was being looked after by Shield's brother, who found him Saturday morning. Shield said Baker was ill for years with a lung condition.
She also said her uncle -- who was 3 feet, 8 inches tall -- did not expect to "live past his teenage years because he was a 'little person,' so it is pretty amazing he lived this long."
Baker died in his sleep Saturday morning, according to his nephew and caregiver Andrew Myerscough.
That was Baker's wish -- to go peacefully, his nephew said. "I couldn't ask for more."
Kenny Baker was a British actor best known for his role as R2-D2 in the Star Wars franchise.
Kenny Baker was 81 years old at the time of his death.
In addition to his iconic role as R2-D2, Kenny Baker also appeared in several other films such as Time Bandits, Flash Gordon, and Labyrinth.
Kenny Baker first appeared as R2-D2 in the original Star Wars film, released in 1977.
Kenny Baker died of a long-standing illness on August 13, 2016.