Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the extraordinary life of Warwick Davis, the English actor, writer, and presenter. From his debut as an Ewok to his roles in Willow, Harry Potter, and beyond, uncover his biography, challenges, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Warwick Ashley Davis (born 3 February 1970) is an English actor, television presenter, writer, and producer known for his versatility, resilience, and trailblazing presence in film and television. Despite being born with a rare form of dwarfism, he has built a prolific career spanning decades, breaking stereotypes and becoming one of the highest-grossing supporting actors in film history.

His work includes iconic roles such as Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars, Willow Ufgood in Willow, Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook in the Harry Potter series, as well as numerous other parts across genres.

Warwick’s story is compelling not only for his performances but for how he has confronted challenges, advocated for inclusion, and used his platform to inspire. Let’s take a deep dive into his journey.

Early Life and Family

Warwick Davis was born on 3 February 1970 in Epsom, Surrey, England, to Susan J. (née Pain) and Ashley Davis, an insurance broker.

From birth, he was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), a rare genetic bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism.

He was educated at Chinthurst School in Tadworth and later at the City of London Freemen’s School.

An interesting turning point in his early years: when he was 11, his grandmother came across a radio appeal seeking actors of 4 feet or under for Return of the Jedi. He auditioned and landed the role of an Ewok, which launched his career.

Youth and Entry into Acting

His role in Return of the Jedi (1983) as Wicket W. Warrick became the foundation of his acting path.

Originally cast as an extra, work circumstances shifted so that he was elevated to the role of Wicket, in part because the originally intended actor (Kenny Baker) fell ill.

From that early star‐wars role, Davis gradually took on more visible roles, showing that even with physical constraints, talent, professionalism, and adaptability could open doors.

Career and Achievements

Major Acting Roles

Some of Warwick Davis’s most notable roles include:

• Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) and related Ewok films and spin-offs.

• Willow Ufgood in Willow (1988), a leading fantasy role.

• Leprechaun in Leprechaun (1993) and several sequels (1994–2003).

• Professor Filius Flitwick (and also Griphook) in the Harry Potter film series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

• Other roles include Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

He has also portrayed multiple characters in Star Wars films over the years, beyond just Wicket.

Behind the Camera & Entrepreneurship

• Warwick co-founded Willow Management (with his father-in-law Peter Burroughs) — an agency representing actors of short stature (under 5 ft).

• He also founded the Reduced Height Theatre Company, which produces plays cast entirely with shorter actors and uses adjusted sets.

• In 2010, he published his autobiography Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Warwick Davis.

Honors & Milestones

• As of 2025, Davis was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement.

• He is recognized as one of the highest grossing supporting actors (in terms of box office) and has the highest average gross for a supporting actor.

• His enduring presence across decades in blockbuster franchises, television, and theatre underscores his adaptability and widespread appeal.

Personality, Challenges & Philosophy

Physical & Health Considerations

Davis’s condition comes with challenges. Over time, he has described joint pain, difficulty with hips, knees, and the physical wear on his body.

He has articulated a philosophy of acceptance, resilience, and focusing on creativity despite limitations.

Advocacy & Representation

• He co-founded Little People UK, a charity that supports individuals with dwarfism and their families.

• Through his work in theatre, film, and television, he has often pushed for more nuanced roles for short actors, resisting being limited to stereotypical parts.

Mindset & Approach

• Davis tends to approach roles — even those requiring heavy makeup or prosthetics — with a focus on art and character rather than comfort. “To me that’s part of my working day … I enjoy performing… not about being comfortable.”

• He maintains humility and gratitude about opportunities: “I think I’d be grateful for the next job … and I always consider everything I do to be the last thing I do.”

Famous Quotes

Here are a selection of Warwick Davis’s reflections and quotes:

• “My parents armed me with an amazing sense of humor … it’s what you need when, well, it’s what anyone needs in this world.”

• “To me that’s part of my working day … I enjoy performing. It’s about the creation of the character … not about being comfortable.”

• “I don’t crave fame. I mean, it’s nice to be recognized. It is useful.”

• “As a film actor, you don't often get that opportunity to meet with your audience and take your applause on stage.”

• “My dad instilled in me a great sense of humor. I wasn’t bullied at school because my outward attitude was confident, and that helps.”

• “The world worries about disability more than disabled people do.”

• “There’s nothing better than going to the movies and going into another world, and forgetting about everything that’s happening outside.”

Lessons from Warwick Davis

1. Redefine limitation
   Rather than letting a physical condition define possibilities, Davis has used it as part of his identity while pushing boundaries in roles and representation.

2. Humor as resilience
   He credits humor (instilled by his parents) as a tool to endure challenges and connect with others.

3. Art above comfort
   His willingness to endure discomfort (long makeup, prosthetics) demonstrates commitment to craft over ease.

4. Representation matters
   Founding agencies and theatre companies helps change not just his career but the opportunities available to others like him.

5. Gratitude + ambition
   Davis balances being grateful for roles with continuing to push creatively — he rarely rests on past laurels.

Conclusion

Warwick Davis is more than an actor with an extraordinary constraint — he is a creative force who has built a remarkable career across franchises, genres, and media. His journey teaches us about perseverance, reinvention, and the power of identity paired with ambition.