Tony Dyson, the man who helped the create the R2-D2 robot for the “Star Wars” films, has died. He was 68.
According to multiple media reports overseas, police found his body at his home in Gozo, an island in Malta, after being called by concerned neighbors. Police suspect no foul play.
R2-D2, who first appeared in 1977’s “Star Wars: A New Hope,” was designed by Ralph McQuarrie and John Stears. Dyson, however, was the one who created the two physical models for the film, one of which included the one that could be worn by actor Kenny Baker.
In recent years, Dyson had worked as a motivational speaker, travelling to different robotics and fan conventions and using the story of how he designed R2-D2 to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
