Stuart Freeborn, “Star Wars” Makeup Artist, Dies [CNN]

Stuart Freeborn, the makeup artist who designed several iconic “Star Wars” characters such as Yoda, Chewbacca, Jabba the Hutt and the Ewoks, has died. He was 98 years old.

Though Freeborn’s resume also included extensive work on another cult film, “2001: A Space Odissey,” he will for ever be remembered and honored for his work on “Star Wars,” particularly for creating Yoda, whom he based on his own face and that of Albert Einstein’s.

A family member confirms the tragic news for CNN.

George Lucas has also spoken out on the topic, mourning the passing of he who made fiction come to life – and then become history.

“He brought with him not only decades of experience, but boundless creative energy. His artistry and craftsmanship will live on forever in the characters he created,” Lucas says in a statement to the aforementioned media outlet.

“His Star Wars creatures may be reinterpreted in new forms by new generations, but at their heart, they continue to be what Stuart created for the original films,” Lucas adds.