Last Updated: 17 Feb, 2025 | Views: 109
Age: 55
Profession: Actor
Other Profession(s): Television Presenter
Famous For: Work in movies like ‘Star Wars’, ‘Harry Potter’
Higher Education: Honorary Doctor of Arts from Anglia Ruskin University
About (Profile/Biography):
Warwick Davis, born on February 3, 1970, in Surrey, England, is one of the most successful actors with dwarfism in Hollywood history. Standing at 3'6" (1.07m), he has defied odds to become a celebrated figure in entertainment. His versatility spans from fantasy blockbusters to comedy shows, and he's also established himself as a talented producer and advocate for people with dwarfism. Despite facing numerous health challenges throughout his life, his infectious optimism and dedication to his craft have made him an inspiration to millions worldwide.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of Warwick Davis
• Young Warwick, nicknamed "Warwie" by his grandmother, discovered his passion for acting at age eleven when his grandmother heard a radio announcement seeking people under four feet tall for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
• The determined performer, still in his teens, landed the titular role in "Willow" (1988) after George Lucas specifically wrote the part with him in mind, making him the youngest actor to headline a major Hollywood film.
• Little warrior (as his mother called him) overcame severe health complications from his condition, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, to pursue his dreams against all medical advice.
Notable Roles and Achievements of Warwick Davis
• The versatile star portrayed multiple characters in the Harry Potter series, including Professor Flitwick and Griphook, spending over 36 hours in makeup for some of his transformations.
• "The Professor" (his nickname on set) became the only actor to appear in all eight Harry Potter films and both Star Wars trilogies, achieving a unique cross-franchise distinction.
• The determined performer created his own production company, Willow Management, specifically to represent actors under 5 feet tall, revolutionizing opportunities for performers with dwarfism.
Awards and Recognition received by Warwick Davis
• The accomplished performer received the Empire Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema in 2015 for his decades-long impact on the industry.
• "The Pioneer" (as dubbed by disability rights activists) was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winchester for his advocacy work in 2019.
• The beloved actor earned the BBC Radio Times Hall of Fame Award in 2022 for his contributions to British television and film, particularly for his work in "Life's Too Short."
Lesser Known Facts about Warwick Davis
• The resilient actor learned to play the harmonica during long makeup sessions on film sets and has performed impromptu concerts for cast and crew members.
• Davis, known as "The Storyteller" among friends, wrote his autobiography "Size Matters Not" completely by hand, refusing to use a computer or dictation service.
• The dedicated artist has a collection of over 100 miniature theatrical props from his various film roles, stored in a custom-built display room at his home.
Controversy and Challenges around Warwick Davis
• In 2018, "The Advocate" (as he's known in the dwarfism community) publicly criticized the casting of average-height actors in dwarf roles, sparking a heated debate about representation.
• The courageous performer faced backlash for defending Snow White's dwarfs portrayal in Disney films, arguing that eliminating such roles could reduce opportunities for actors with dwarfism.
• The determined artist openly discussed the loss of his first two children to inherited conditions, breaking taboos about discussing such personal tragedies in the entertainment industry.