Actor and TV presenter Warwick Davis has received this year's BAFTA Fellowship - the British Academy's highest honour - less than a yea after his wife's sad passing. During an emotional appearance at the awards, Warwick said: "Wow, thank you so much. Well this is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me and I’ve been in Star Wars." He went on to joked that he would keep his speech "short" and later told the audience: "You can laugh.".
During his speech, he praised his mum, "his first agent," before adding: "It's for me, it's all mine." He later paid tribute to his late wife, Samantha, and their children. He said said since Samantha's death, life had been "pretty tough." Warwick said: "She was always so supportive of my career, encouraging me to grab every opportunity with both hand. "Since then life has been pretty tough for me. Thanks to the support of our wonderful children I've been able to continue working and engaging in life." Fans became very emotional after the moment as they took to social media to share their responses. One said: "I'm in tears at this Warwick Davis speech. #BAFTAs." A second added: "I have tears in my eyes. Warwick Davis is amazing.".
The Surrey-born actor, 55, is best known for appearing in the Harry Potter and Star Wars film series and has presented the ITV game show Tenable since 2016. In a statement last month, Davis described the Fellowship as an "incredible honour" and thanked BAFTA "for believing in his journey". "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," he 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 also want to acknowledge the wonderful colleagues and friends who've worked behind the scenes - costume-makers, makeup artists, camera crews - who quietly and tirelessly pour their hearts into every production. I look forward to continuing to champion fresh perspectives, advocate for better representation, and inspire the next generation of storytellers to dream big.".
Previous recipients include Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Scorsese, Sidney Poitier and Dame Helen Mirren. Warwick, who lives with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita - a rare form of dwarfism - lost his beloved wife Samantha last year. In April 2024, the acto paid tribute to his wife as he wrote: "Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs. He went on to describe his late spouse as his "most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career".
"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," he added in the statement shared with the BBC. Samantha and Warwick's children Harrison and Annabelle also paid tribute, saying their late mother's "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," Harrison and Annabelle added. "With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power," Warwick continued with his tribute. "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.".
It was reported last month that the actor is reportedly suing a London hospital as he claims medical negligence following the death of his wife. Warwick has instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell to represent his family following her death. Specialist medical negligence solicitor Madeline Nugent is working with them. An inquest into Samantha's death was due to take place today as coroner Mrs Jean Harkin said it would answer questions.
Mr Davis and their daughter Annabelle were due to take part in the proceedings and the actor is suing a London hospital, according to the Daily Mail. However, the hearing was adjourned before any evidence was presented. It was due to take place virtually from Inner West London Coroner's Court. Counsel for the Davis family, William Chapman, said Mr Davis was unable to connect to the inquest. Samantha, who was born on January 30, 1971, as Samantha D. Burroughs, had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism. She was known for her roles in Through the Dragon's Eye, ShortFellas and Honky Sausages and even had an uncredited role alongside her husband in 1988 movie Willow.
