Warwick Davis is a celebrated British actor whose impressive career spans over four decades, with roles in some of the most iconic film franchises in history. From portraying Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars to starring in Willow and taking on multiple characters in the Harry Potter series, Davis has solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable talents. His ability to bring unique and diverse characters to life, often under layers of prosthetics and makeup, has made him a go-to performer for fantasy and science fiction films.
As of 2025, Warwick Davis’ net worth is estimated at $10 million, reflecting his long-standing success in film, television, and other ventures.
Early Life and Journey into Acting
Born Warwick Ashley Davis on February 3, 1970, in Epsom, Surrey, England, he was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), a rare form of dwarfism distinct from the more common achondroplasia. Despite the medical challenges that came with this condition, Davis grew up with a love for movies—particularly Star Wars.
His entry into the film industry was almost accidental. When he was 11 years old, his grandmother heard a radio casting call for people under four feet tall to appear in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983). Initially cast as an extra Ewok, Davis’ big break came when the original actor for Wicket fell ill, leading George Lucas to handpick Davis for the role. His natural performance and improvisation skills—including tilting his head like his pet dog when curious—impressed the filmmakers and kickstarted his acting career.
Becoming a Hollywood Star: Willow and Beyond
Following his debut as Wicket, Davis reprised the character in TV movies like Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985). His next major role came when George Lucas and Ron Howard cast him as the lead in the 1988 fantasy epic Willow, where he played Willow Ufgood, a small-statured hero on a magical adventure. Starring alongside Val Kilmer, Davis delivered a charming and heartfelt performance, earning praise despite the film receiving mixed reviews.
Throughout the 1990s, Davis continued to build a diverse acting portfolio, starring in:
- The Chronicles of Narnia TV adaptations
- Zorro
- Leprechaun (1993) – A cult horror-comedy where he played the titular, mischievous leprechaun, a role he reprised in multiple sequels.
- Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989)
- Gulliver’s Travels (1996)
His ability to transition between fantasy, horror, and family-friendly films made him a sought-after character actor.
The Harry Potter Era and Expanding His Legacy
Davis cemented his place in pop culture history when he joined the Harry Potter film series, playing multiple characters, including:
- Professor Filius Flitwick, the charming Charms professor.
- Griphook, the goblin who helps (and later betrays) Harry in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
These roles showcased his versatility as an actor, as he brought distinct personalities to each character. His ability to act convincingly through heavy prosthetics and makeup made him an integral part of the franchise.
Return to Star Wars and Television Success
The 2000s and 2010s saw Davis return to the Star Wars universe, playing multiple characters in:
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) – Portrayed four different characters, including an extra Yoda in certain scenes.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – Reprised Wicket, bringing his Return of the Jedi journey full circle.
His record-breaking presence in Star Wars makes him the actor with the most character roles in the franchise.
Beyond film, Davis made waves on television. In 2011, he teamed up with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant to co-create Life’s Too Short, a comedy series inspired by his life as an actor with dwarfism. The show, filled with self-deprecating humor and celebrity cameos, showcased Davis’ comedic brilliance.
He also became a game show host, presenting Tenable, a popular UK quiz show.
Personal Life and Challenges
Warwick Davis married Samantha Davis, who also has dwarfism, and the couple shares a strong personal and professional bond. They have one surviving child, Annabelle Davis, an actress starring in the TV series The Dumping Ground.
Tragically, their first two children passed away shortly after birth due to a rare genetic disorder resulting from a mix of SED (Warwick’s condition) and achondroplasia (Samantha’s condition). Despite these personal losses, the couple has remained deeply committed to supporting the dwarfism community.
Advocacy and Charity Work
Davis co-founded Little People UK, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families. Through this organization, he has raised awareness about the challenges and medical issues faced by people with dwarfism, advocating for better representation in media and society.
Real Estate and Investments
Davis has invested in real estate across England. He once lived in London but moved out due to fans constantly showing up at his house. In 2013, he relocated to Peterborough, but faced further issues when his caravan was stolen.
To prevent future thefts, he planned to build a six-foot security wall around his property, but local authorities rejected his proposal due to its aesthetic impact. Eventually, he settled for a Weldmesh fence and hedges to balance security with community regulations.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2025, Warwick Davis’ net worth is estimated at $10 million. His income sources include:
- Film and TV roles (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Willow, Leprechaun).
- Game show hosting (Tenable).
- Stage performances (Spamalot, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs).
- Producing and co-creating TV content.
- Real estate investments.
His wealth is a testament to his resilience, proving that despite the challenges of working in Hollywood, he has built an enduring career.
Final Thoughts: A Hollywood Trailblazer
Warwick Davis’ journey is one of perseverance, talent, and adaptability. From his humble beginnings as a young Star Wars fan to becoming one of the most beloved fantasy actors, his career is filled with iconic roles.
Despite medical challenges, personal tragedies, and industry biases, Davis has thrived—not only as an actor but as a philanthropist and advocate for the dwarfism community.
With new projects on the horizon, including his return in the Willow Disney+ series, Warwick Davis continues to inspire audiences worldwide, proving that great actors leave a legacy far beyond the screen.