39 Facts About Warwick Davis

Early Life and Background

Warwick Davis, a beloved actor known for his roles in fantasy and sci-fi films, has an intriguing life story. Here are some fascinating facts about his early years and background.

1. 01Warwick Ashley Davis was born on February 3, 1970, in Epsom, Surrey, England.
2. 02He was born with a rare condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, which is a type of dwarfism.
3. 03His interest in acting began at a young age, inspired by his love for Star Wars.
4. 04Davis attended Chinthurst School and later the City of London Freemen's School.

Breakthrough in Acting

Warwick Davis's acting career took off when he was just a child. Let's explore some key moments that led to his breakthrough.

5. 05At age 11, Davis landed his first major role as Wicket the Ewok in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983).
6. 06He was cast in the role after his grandmother heard a radio advertisement calling for people under four feet tall to audition.
7. 07George Lucas was so impressed with Davis's performance that he created additional scenes for Wicket.
8. 08Davis reprised his role as Wicket in the TV movies "Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure" (1984) and "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor" (1985).

Iconic Roles

Warwick Davis has portrayed many memorable characters in various film franchises. Here are some of his most iconic roles.

9. 09He starred as the titular character in "Willow" (1988), directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas.
10. 10Davis played multiple roles in the "Harry Potter" series, including Professor Flitwick and Griphook the goblin.
11. 11He portrayed the mischievous Leprechaun in the horror-comedy film series "Leprechaun" (1993-2003).
12. 12In "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2008), Davis played the character Nikabrik.

Contributions to Television

Warwick Davis has also made significant contributions to television, both as an actor and a presenter.

13. 13He starred in the British sitcom "Life's Too Short" (2011-2013), created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
14. 14Davis hosted the game show "Celebrity Squares" from 2014 to 2015.
15. 15He appeared in several episodes of the long-running British series "Doctor Who."
16. 16Davis presented the documentary series "The Seven Dwarfs of Auschwitz" (2013), exploring the lives of a family of dwarf performers during the Holocaust.

Personal Life

Warwick Davis's personal life is as interesting as his professional career. Here are some insights into his family and interests.

17. 17He married Samantha Burroughs in 1991, and they have two children, Annabelle and Harrison.
18. 18Both of Davis's children have inherited his dwarfism condition.
19. 19Davis is a passionate supporter of the charity Little People UK, which he co-founded with his wife.
20. 20He enjoys playing the drums and has performed with various bands.

Behind the Scenes

Warwick Davis has also worked behind the scenes in various capacities. Let's take a look at his contributions beyond acting.

21. 21He founded his own talent agency, Willow Management, which specializes in representing actors with dwarfism.
22. 22Davis served as an executive producer for the film "ShortFellas" (2006).
23. 23He has provided voice work for several video games, including "Fable III" and "Star Wars: The Old Republic."
24. 24Davis has written an autobiography titled "Size Matters Not," published in 2010.

Awards and Recognition

Warwick Davis's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him numerous accolades. Here are some of the awards and recognitions he has received.

25. 25He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards.
26. 26Davis was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award at the 2018 National Film Awards UK.
27. 27He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester in 2013.
28. 28Davis was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2021 for his services to drama and charity.

Fun Facts

Warwick Davis's life is full of interesting tidbits and fun facts. Here are a few more to round out our list.

29. 29He is a huge fan of the band Queen and has attended many of their concerts.
30. 30Davis has a cameo appearance in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) as Wollivan.
31. 31He appeared in the music video for Tenacious D's song "Tribute."
32. 32Davis has a collection of over 1,000 Star Wars action figures.
33. 33He has worked with director Tim Burton on multiple occasions, including "Corpse Bride" (2005) and "Alice in Wonderland" (2010).
34. 34Davis has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2019.
35. 35He is an avid supporter of the Tottenham Hotspur football club.
36. 36Davis has appeared in several commercials, including one for the British insurance company Direct Line.
37. 37He has a keen interest in astronomy and owns a telescope for stargazing.
38. 38Davis has participated in numerous charity events, including marathons and fundraising galas.
39. 39He has been a guest on various talk shows, including "The Graham Norton Show" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden."

Warwick Davis: A Life Full of Surprises

Warwick Davis has led an extraordinary life, filled with unique experiences and achievements. From his breakout role in "Return of the Jedi" to his memorable performances in the "Harry Potter" series, Davis has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Beyond acting, he's a dedicated family man, a passionate advocate for people with dwarfism, and an inspiring figure for many.

His career spans decades, showcasing his versatility and talent. Whether he's starring in blockbuster films or hosting game shows, Davis brings a special charm and professionalism to everything he does. His contributions go beyond the screen, impacting lives and raising awareness about important issues.

Warwick Davis's journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of following one's dreams. His story continues to inspire, proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible.