Baker suffered from chest problems in his later years and was confined to a wheelchair more recently, but he would still sign autographs, Mans says.
Baker was born in Birmingham, England and began performing at age 16 “as a circus clown, nightclub performer and in pantomime,” according to the BBC. He was part of a comedy and music duo called the “Mini Tones” with partner Jack Purvis before beginning in the movie business, Mans says.
Mans recalls that Baker didn’t always want to be treated differently because of his height.
“A lot of people used to, when they were talking to him, they would bend down and talk to Kenny because he was short,” he recalls. “And he used to say to them, ‘Listen, I’m short, not deaf.’ ”
Baker’s 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 was found Saturday morning by his nephew. Baker is survived by two sons, a niece and nephew. His wife Eileen died in 1993, the BBC reported.
In speaking to NPR, Mans called Baker “a great friend” who “will be sadly missed.”
Tributes to Baker poured in from fans and colleagues on Twitter: