Actor has been 'profoundly influential'

Warwick Davis is to be given the Bafta Fellowship at this year’s film award ceremony – the most prestigious honour the British Film and TV Academy gives out.

Born in Epsom, Surrey, Davis has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, and Bafta says: ‘Despite the physical challenges this presented, his passion for acting was evident from a young age. Beyond acting, Davis is also an entrepreneur and advocate who has dedicated his career to creating a more inclusive screen industry.

'Davis uses his platform to challenge societal prejudice and champion self-empowerment, advocating that people with dwarfism can and do lead full and meaningful lives.’

He is the founder of Willow Management, an agency dedicated to representing actors under 5ft and over 7ft  tall, the charity Little People UK for people with dwarfism and the Reduced Height Theatre Company.

Davis’s career began at age 11 as Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and returned to the franchise several times, with his most recent contribution culminating in Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. 

He then went on to star in the fantasy adventure film Willow, played Professor Filius and Flitwick in the Harry Potter film franchise and the BBC sitcom Life’s Too Short  which he co-created with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Davis, said: ‘The Fellowship, to me, embodies the spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration that Bafta stands for. This recognition is not just about the body of work I’ve contributed but also about the people who’ve stood by me and the audiences who have made this journey worthwhile. 

‘I accept this fellowship in honour of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset.

‘I also want to acknowledge the wonderful colleagues and friends who’ve worked behind the scenes—costumers, makeup artists, camera crews—who quietly and tirelessly pour their hearts into every production. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this incredible honour. I look forward to continuing to champion fresh perspectives, advocate for better representation, and inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream big.’

He will receive his award at the EE Bafta Film Awards ceremony on February 16,  presented to him by child actor Lenny Rush. The event is hosted by David Tennant and airs on BBC One.

The news comes the day after it was revealed that Davis is suing University College London Hospital alleging medical negligence over the death of his wife, Samantha, 53, in March last year. The actress, who co-founded Little People UK with Warwick, became extremely ill with sepsis in 2019 after having operations on her spine at the hospital.

Sara Putt, chair of Bafta said: ‘Warwick is a talented, much loved and truly inspiring figure who has captivated audiences over many decades. From his iconic performances to his advocacy for greater inclusion and representation on and off-screen, Warwick has had a remarkable impact on cinema and been profoundly influential in fostering a more inclusive and caring society. Hugely respected by his peers both in Britain and globally for his immense creativity and passion for the craft of storytelling, we at BAFTA are thrilled to celebrate his exceptional body of work and achievements.’

Previous Batfa Fellows include Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave.

Published: 10 Jan 2025