Actor Warwick Davis reckons he would never have made it in Hollywood if he wasn’t short.
The 50-year-old, who has a rare form of dwarfism, has been starring in blockbusters for almost four decades.
He said: “Being a short actor is the way I got my big break within the industry. Without being a short person, I wouldn’t have been an actor, I don’t believe.”
Warwick’s long list of hits includes a string of Star Wars films between 1983 and 2019. He said: “Being cast in Return Of The Jedi was a life-changing experience that will never happen again.
“To be part of that franchise was amazing and to continue to be part of it is amazing. Even when I embark on a new project they often ask me to be part of it as well, which is lovely.
“I’m a huge Star Wars fan and I have a great collection of memorabilia. I’ve been doing a lot of virtual Star Wars conventions during lockdown, so I still meet people via Zoom.
“If I had to cite one person as a mentor it would be George Lucas who has given me many of the opportunities I’ve had in my life and career.”
Warwick has also had huge success with roles in the Harry Potter films and cult classic Willow. But he isn’t allowed to have an ego, thanks to his wife Samantha.
He said: “She keeps my feet on the ground. I might be on a Hollywood set one moment, but when I’m back home, she just tells me how it is.
“She says, ‘Right, come on, the bins need emptying. You’re not in Hollywood anymore. You’ve got to empty those bins’. It’s about being normal.”
Warwick and Samantha’s children Annabelle and Harrison, who have the same condition, are keen to follow in his footsteps and become Hollywood stars.
He said: “I understand it’s quite a difficult, challenging profession. But they’ve chosen this as a career path. They really want to do it.
“Personally, I’m very glad I pursued acting. It’s not the easiest career in the world, but I absolutely love performing and you have to love it to stick with it.
“I don’t know if there are still the roles for short actors because there is a lack of fantasy movies being made, but I think they’ll always be needed in some form or another.”
- Warwick has teamed up with The British Pantomime Academy to launch The Kids Masterclass Workshop at £9 a ticket. For more visit britishpantomimeacademy.com
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