Warwick Davis
Great Britain- Birth and Early Life
- The Audition That Changed His Life
- Cinematic Breakthrough
- Televisual and Film Career
- The Harry Potter Series and Beyond
- Willow Management
- Personal Life and Legacy
Birth and Early Life
Warwick Ashley Davis was born on May 3, 1970, in Epsom, Surrey, England. The son of an insurance broker, Davis's diminutive stature (he stands at a mere 3 feet 6 inches tall) is due to a rare genetic condition known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, affecting only 1 in 100,000 people.
The Audition That Changed His Life
Davis's career in the entertainment industry began as a result of a casting call he heard on the radio in 1982. The call was for actors under 4 feet tall for roles in "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi." An avid fan of the Star Wars franchise, Davis auditioned and impressed George Lucas and Mark Hamill, who would become his close friend and mentor.
Cinematic Breakthrough
Davis's first major role came in 1983's "Return of the Jedi," where he played the beloved Ewok named Wicket. Lucas was so impressed with Davis's performance that he offered him the lead role in 1988's "Willow," written specifically for him. This marked the first time Davis appeared on screen without prosthetics.
Televisual and Film Career
After "Willow," Davis became a familiar face on television, appearing in adaptations of "The Chronicles of Narnia" and an episode of "Zorro." In 1993, he played the memorable role of the злобный лепрекон in the horror film "Leprechaun." Davis's association with Star Wars continued in 1999's "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace," where he played multiple roles, including a brief appearance as Yoda.
The Harry Potter Series and Beyond
The "Harry Potter" film series marked another significant chapter in Davis's career. He portrayed two distinct characters: Professor Filius Flitwick, the charms teacher, and the goblin Griphook in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Davis also reprised his role as Wicket in the 2008 film adaptation of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
Willow Management
In 1995, Davis and his father-in-law, fellow actor Peter Burroughs, co-founded Willow Management, an agency specializing in finding work for actors under 5 feet tall. The agency represents many of Davis's co-stars from "Star Wars," "Harry Potter," and "Willow." Since 2004, Willow Management has also extended its services to actors over 7 feet tall.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite his physical challenges, Davis has enjoyed a highly successful and fulfilling career. He is married to Samantha Burroughs, an actress and disability rights advocate. Together, they have three children. Davis has been outspoken about the challenges faced by people of short stature and has dedicated himself to promoting understanding and inclusion.
