The Star Wars and Harry Potter actor has taken time away from social media to grieve the death of his beloved wife
Actor Warwick Davis and his children have announced the launch of a Just Giving page in memory of his wife, Samantha Davis, who recently passed away, age 53. The couple married in 1991, and in an emotional statement released after her passing, he described her as his "most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career."
Does Warwick Davis have children?
Warwick and his late wife had four children in total; Annabelle is 27 and Harrison is 21. Their son, Lloyd, died at nine days old and they lost another son, George, when Samantha was 19 weeks pregnant.
Warwick was born with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), an extremely rare genetic form of dwarfism, that both Annabelle and Harrison inherited. Samantha had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism. Lloyd sadly inherited both his parents’ conditions, which proved fatal.
Speaking to Bear Grylls in 2019, the actor shared how the tragedy had shaped him: “Prior to Annabelle and Harrison we had a baby boy, Lloyd, who inherited both our conditions… and that is something that proves fatal. It’s something that a baby won’t survive. But Lloyd survived for nine days, but yeah, he was beautiful. It was a tough time. And yeah, we had a stillborn too. That kind of stuff just makes you stronger."
Annabelle and Harrison paid tribute to their mum, saying: “Her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives. Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers.”
What happened to Warwick Davis’ wife?
Samantha Davis met her husband Warwick on the set of Willow when they were both teenagers. Warwick had already been in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi as Ewok Wicket, before going onto star in the movie which was written specifically with him in mind. Samantha was an extra and they dated for four years before they married.
Warwick would then star in Harry Potter as Professor Flitwick and multiple other TV shows and films, making him one of the highest- grossing supporting actors of all time.
Samantha, or Sammy as she was known, had battled with her health for a long time due to her condition, and in 2019 she contracted sepsis after undergoing spinal decompression surgery.
Speaking to The Guardian in 2015, Warwick elaborated more on the daily struggles he and his wife face due to their conditions: “You look at somebody with dwarfism, the first thing that strikes you is probably that they’re short, and that’s it. But that’s the tip of the iceberg. It gets worse. It could be a cleft palate, hearing loss – or you end up in a wheelchair.
As you get older, it gets worse. My hips are dislocated. Very painful knees. There’s a risk of retinal detachment, but I know the signs now. And then, yeah, you wake up, the alarm goes, it takes a good half hour to get moving, we’re both like, ‘Uggggh.’ Imagine the worst flu you’ve had, every day – it’s like that.”
Samantha’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but while tributes have poured in from fans around the world, Warwick released his own poignant statement as well, praising his wife.
“Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs,” he said. “She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes. “Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3. She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear."
What charity did Warwick and Samantha Davis set up?
Warwick and Samanta Davis co-founded the charity Little People UK, and Sammy was committed to improving life for the younger, school-age members of the dwarfism community.
After her death, Warwick posted on Twitter that he was taking a break from social media. Shortly after his post, his children posted to the same account, with details of a JustGiving page set up in memory of Sammy.
“Our Mum, the kindest, most inspirational and loving Mumma we could have wished for, devastatingly passed away on March 24,” they said. “While it's a very difficult time for us, we're humbled by everyone who has reached out to offer support & to express how Sammy impacted their lives.
“Dad wanted us to share the project that we have all started for Mum. Through her work with Little People UK, Sammy was passionate about helping younger members of the dwarfism community, in particular those of school age. In order to continue the amazing work she did, we have set up 'Sammy's Helping Hands' a Just Giving page. Find out more here.
“We understand times are hard, simply sharing this message helps us spread awareness for the charity and the work they do. Thank you again for your kindness, love and support. We send love to you and your families. The Davis' xx.”
The Davis family then added to the above statement on the JustGiving page itself, writing: “Sammy’s speciality was boosting confidence, particularly in an educational setting. To her, that meant, children having correctly fitting, professionally altered uniforms and sports kit. Specialist school equipment. Access to all lessons, activities and school trips. And not forgetting older students, Educational Scholarships. Sammy’s motto, subsequently adopted by the charity was, Small Steps to great things!
Sammy’s Helping Hands fund will be administered by trustees within LPUK, made up of, Warwick Davis, Annabelle Davis and Harrison Davis, who will award funds based on individual application from members. "We will post regular updates on fund distribution, so you can know the good your donation has done.”
At the time of writing, the JustGiving page has already raised over £16,000.