Actor Warwick Davis and his family are bracing themselves for a “difficult next chapter” as the inquest into the death of his beloved wife, Samantha, begins this week.
Samantha Davis, aged 53, passed away at University College Hospital in London on March 24, 2023. Her death left Warwick, their two children, and their extended family devastated, and they are hoping that the inquest, which is set to take place at Inner West London Coroner’s Court on Monday, will bring them the answers they have been searching for over the past year.
In a statement released ahead of the hearing, the family expressed how difficult the past year has been, stating: “The last year and trying to come to terms with Samantha’s death has been incredibly difficult. However, we hope that the inquest will at last provide us with answers.”
Warwick Davis, known for his iconic roles in Star Wars and the Harry Potter films, dedicated his Bafta film fellowship award to his late wife during an emotional ceremony in February. Speaking at the event, he described the pain of losing Samantha and how he has been supported by their children through this challenging time. “Life has been pretty tough since she died. She was always so supportive of my career, encouraging me to grab every opportunity with both hands,” Warwick said.
Warwick and Samantha’s love story began during the filming of the 1988 fantasy film Willow, in which Warwick starred as the titular hero. The couple married in 1991 and went on to have two children together. Samantha also had a successful career in the entertainment industry, including roles in the Harry Potter franchise, where she appeared as a goblin in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, alongside Warwick, who portrayed Professor Flitwick and Griphook the goblin.
The family has instructed lawyers from Irwin Mitchell to support them through the inquest, which is expected to delve into the circumstances surrounding Samantha’s untimely passing. The family is hoping that the proceedings will provide clarity on what happened and offer them some closure as they continue to cope with the loss.
In their statement, the family reflected on the strength that Samantha instilled in them and her enduring legacy. “We know that the resilience and strength Sammy instilled in all of us will guide us through this difficult next chapter. Her love, support, and determination is a legacy we want to continue,” they said.
In Samantha’s honour, the Davis family established the ‘Sammy’s Helping Hands Fund’, which has already made a significant impact in the dwarfism community, supporting young people and families across the UK. The fund will continue to carry forward her charitable work, ensuring that her legacy lives on.
Warwick Davis rose to fame at the age of 11 when he was cast as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Over the years, he has become one of the UK’s most beloved actors, with a career spanning decades. In addition to his work in Star Wars and Harry Potter, Warwick reprised his role as Willow Ufgood in the 2022 Disney+ series Willow.
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In 2012, Warwick and Samantha co-founded Little People UK, a charity aimed at supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families. Their work has made a positive impact in the community, providing support and advocacy for those with similar conditions.
Despite the profound loss, Warwick has continued to work, thanks in part to the support of his children, and he remains committed to his charitable work and career. The inquest, which may shed light on the circumstances surrounding Samantha’s death, marks a significant moment for the Davis family as they try to heal from this tragic chapter of their lives.
As the inquest proceeds, the Davis family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, and the public has expressed an outpouring of sympathy for the actor and his family. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and well-wishes to us all,” the family added.
The Davis family now faces a challenging and emotional journey ahead, but they remain determined to honour Samantha’s memory and continue her important work in the dwarfism community.
