Original R2-D2 Builder Tony Dyson Dies

6yuXY7Jf Tony Dyson, the man who was responsible for building R2-D2, was found dead in his home at the age of 62. Dyson, who was living on the Maltese island of Gozo was found by authorities in his home. It is presumed he died of natural causes.

 

Dyson, the owner of White Horse Toy Company and who also worked on films such as Moonraker, Superman II, and Altered States, was commissioned to make eight of the iconic Astromech for the original Star Wars trilogy. R2-D2 was designed by Ralph McQuarrie, but it was Dyson who brought that design to life. He built remote control units, suits for Kenny Baker to control, and disposable units for R2’s stunt work.

 

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R2-D2 is quite possibly one of the most memorable and iconic characters in Star Wars. Dyson’s contribution will always be remembered by fans of that galaxy far far away. Our condolences go out to those who knew and loved him.

 

Source: BBC

 

 

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3 thoughts on “Original R2-D2 Builder Tony Dyson Dies

  • March 5, 2016 at 1:28 am
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    Not gone. Merely marching further away.

  • March 5, 2016 at 4:28 am
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    Imagine what it’ll be like when BB-8’s puppeteer dies. Riots in the streets….

  • March 5, 2016 at 12:30 pm
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    I don’t want to disrespect the man, but he only worked on Empire Strikes Back… He was not the “original builder” as you can read on many websites. He’s not credited in the original Star Wars, and he’s not mentioned anywhere in the making-of.

    In an interview, he said he only came to the Star Wars series after working on Alien and Moonraker (both were made after the original Star Wars). http://www.geekwire.com/2015/r2-d2s-builder-tony-dyson-talks-a-i-drones-and-why-everyone-needs-a-little-robot-in-their-house/

    RIP

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