Tony Dyson, ‘Star Wars’ Original R2-D2 Creator, Reportedly Found Dead

Professor Tony Dyson, the original creator of the beloved Star Wars character R2-D2, has died. Dyson, who was 68, was found dead in his apartment in Malta on the island of Gozo, reports The Daily Mail. Tony Dyson had reportedly not been seen for several days. The BBC reports that a neighbor reported that the Briton’s door was oddly ajar, and as a result, concerned friends contacted authorities to conduct a welfare check.

Police reportedly found his body when they arrived at his home, and foul play is not suspected in his death, although no cause has been officially verified at this early stage. At this point, it is presumed that Tony Dyson passed away of natural causes. An autopsy will be performed to determine the actual cause of Dyson’s death.

NBC News reports that Tony Dyson’s Star Wars career began prior to the release of Star Wars: A New Hope(the original Star Wars film) in 1977. It was Dyson who built the original R2-D2 models for the film, including the iconic model worn by actor Kenny Baker, who portrayed R2-D2 in Star Wars. Tony Dyson didn’t design the iconic Star Wars character. That honor goes to illustrator Ralph McQuarrie (who also created Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and C-3PO); McQuarrie was also assisted by John Stears, a special effects artist for the film.

According to TonyDyson.com, the official Tony Dyson website, Dyson was originally commissioned to build a total of eight versions of the beloved R2-D2 character, a feat he accomplished in five short months.

“I can honestly say it was one of the most exciting periods of my life…The love for R2 is universal; no other Star Wars character has been loved over the years the way R2-D2 has.”

Tony Dyson went on to describe the influence of Star Wars’ R2-D2 on robotics in general, calling it “truly remarkable.”

Prior to his legendary stint as the creator of the iconic R2-D2 character of the Star Wars franchise, Dyson was owner of the White Horse Toy Company in the United Kingdom. Being hired on for the George Lucas film was clearly a monumental step up, and it preceded many other Hollywood employment opportunities.

Tony Dyson’s resume includes visual effects work on multiple films, including Dragon Slayer, to which he contributed the giant robot dragon, and Superman II. He also contributed to the James Bond franchise in the movie Moonraker.

For the Moonraker film, it is reported that Tony Dyson constructed a total of “36 model spacemen, complete with backpacks, laser guns and space suits for the space scene.”

Other Tony Dyson film credits include his work on Saturn 3, in which he directed the special effects filming of Hector the evil robot. The film starred Kirk Douglas and Farrah Fawcett. He also contributed 35 feet of latex human intestines to the 1980 movie Altered States, directed by Ken Russel and starring William Hurt.

Dyson was also once an Emmy nominee for his work in film special effects supervision.

Tony Dyson also contributed to many big name companies outside of the Hollywood sphere. Dyson designed and built prototypes and robots for some of the world’s largest, most prominent electronic companies. The list includes Toshiba, Sony, and Philips. He also contributed to and helped facilitate a number of television commercials and aided with the technology and robotics at numerous amusement parks the world over.

While the death of Tony Dyson is sure to leave a hole in the hearts of techies and Star Wars fans alike, he will always live on in the hearts of the franchise’s faithful. Fans have already taken to Twitter to offer their condolences.

@BBCNews @BBCWorld @starwars : My favorite lovely droid friend one.

— Dr_Maew? (@SirikanYamada) March 4, 2016

Updates regarding the cause of Star Wars contributor Tony Dyson’s death are expected within the coming days, or as they become available.

[Image Courtesy Of @StarWarsTime/Twitter]