Actor Kenny Baker, who played robot R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise, has died aged 83 after a longstanding illness.
His niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian: "It was expected, but it's sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life.
"He brought lots of happiness to people and we'll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We're all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime."
"He had problems with his lungs and was often in a wheelchair," she added. "He was very poorly for a long time."
Shield told Sky News: "Unfortunately he was too ill to be part of the new Star Wars films. He was due to fly out to LA (for the most recent premiere) but doctors told him he was too unwell to fly."
Speaking of his work as R2-D2, Shield said: "He felt very blessed. He obviously enjoyed the time working at Star Wars, it gave him a whole new different view on his disability and it was taken as a positive thing."
Baker, who was 3ft 8in tall, first played the robot character in Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.
He continued in the role for the franchise's next five films, and also starred in Time Bandits, Labyrinth and Flash Gordon. Baker's contribution was also recognised with a credit in last year's reboot Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late actor from co-stars and from around Hollywood, including from co-star Mark Hamill who praised Baker's "optimism and determination."
Rest in peace, Kenny Baker, the heart and soul of R2-D2. pic.twitter.com/NqOpxotxyK
— 20th Century Fox (@20thcenturyfox) 13 August 2016
Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination He WAS the droid I was looking for! pic.twitter.com/rd94OEYaHi
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) 13 August 2016
Today we lost a dear friend. We’ll miss you, Kenny Baker. https://t.co/Z020FtLQpP pic.twitter.com/xDHvUurUgv
— Star Wars (@starwars) 13 August 2016
Rest in Peace @starwars legend #KennyBaker - whose name I learned at age 7 because he brought #R2D2 to life. Feels like losing family...
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) 13 August 2016
RIP R2D2. Farewell Fidget, Time Bandit. Goodbye Mister Kenny Baker. pic.twitter.com/wuiQuCH7g6
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) 13 August 2016
#RIP #KennyBaker. Sad to say goodbye to a small man with a huge heart & personality. He paved the way for short actors of a generation. x
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) 13 August 2016
So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny. Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81 https://t.co/9HW6f3MWZl
— Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) 13 August 2016
Born in 1934, Baker was told by doctors that he was unlikely to live through puberty. He had been cared for by a nephew, who found him on Saturday morning, after suffering from serious illness during the last few years.