8. Kenny Baker
Character & Films: R2-D2, in all of them. He also plays Paloo in
Return of the Jedi (the Ewok that steals the speeder and goes flying off in to the forest).
Before Star Wars: Not a great deal. Aside from a couple of TV appearances, Baker spent most of his early life as a circus performer or stage actor. Just before he was spotted by Lucas, he performed as 'The Minitones' with fellow dwarf actor Jack Purvis.
After Star Wars: Baker has continued to work solidly since the 1980s, appearing in the cult classic
Flash Gordon, the Oscar-winning
Amadeus, Ron Howard's
Willow and Michael Winterbottom's
24 Hour Party People. He is a favourite actor of Terry Gilliam's, having appeared in
Time Bandits,
Brazil and
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. He has also worked as a stand-up comedian.
Did He Deserve Better?: Hard to say. Notwithstanding the success of Peter Dinklage, film opportunities for dwarf actors are still quite limited, so it's not entirely surprising that Baker's subsequent career has not kept him as much in the limelight.
Look No Further: Fidgit in
Time Bandits (1981). Apparently he represents Michael Palin.