British actor Warwick Davis has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list. The honour recognises his significant contributions to drama and to charity.
A Storied Career on Screen
The 55-year-old performer is best known for his iconic roles as Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars and as Professor Filius Flitwick and the goblin Griphook in the Harry Potter film series. His acting journey began remarkably early, securing his first role at just 11 years old in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Davis's career spans decades and genres. He starred alongside the late David Bowie in the fantasy film Labyrinth and took the lead role of Willow Ufgood in Ron Howard's 1988 adventure Willow. His extensive filmography also includes appearances in the Narnia BBC adaptations, Jack the Giant Slayer, the Leprechaun films, and Ricky Gervais's series Extras and Life's Too Short.
Advocacy and Personal Tributes
Beyond acting, Davis has been a powerful advocate. In 2012, he co-founded the charity Little People UK with his late wife, actress Samantha Davis, to support individuals with dwarfism and their families. The OBE follows another major accolade received earlier in 2025: the Bafta Fellowship, the academy's highest honour, awarded in February for his performing and advocacy work.
Upon accepting the Bafta Fellowship, Davis gave an emotional tribute to Samantha, who died in March 2024. He stated, "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I've been in Star Wars," before dedicating the award to her. He described how "life has been pretty tough" since her passing and acknowledged her unwavering support for his career. The couple met on the set of Willow, married in 1991, and had three children together.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Davis's work extends into television presenting and business. He has hosted ITV's quiz show Tenable, voiced a character in Moominvalley, and runs the talent agency Willow Management, which represents actors under 5ft and over 7ft tall. Born with a rare form of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, he has used his platform to promote inclusivity and representation in the arts.
This royal honour solidifies Warwick Davis's status not only as one of Britain's most recognisable and in-demand character actors but also as a dedicated philanthropist whose off-screen work has had a profound impact on many lives.
