Warwick Davis Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Wife at BAFTA Ceremony
Warwick Davis delivered an emotional tribute to his late wife, Samantha, as he accepted the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship award at the 2025 BAFTA ceremony. The 55-year-old actor, known for his roles in Star Wars, Willow, and the Harry Potter franchise, was visibly moved as he dedicated the honour to Samantha, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 53. The couple had been married for 33 years and shared three children together.
During his acceptance speech, Davis reflected on Samantha’s unwavering support for his career, describing her as his greatest encourager. “She was always so supportive of my career, encouraging me to grab every opportunity with both hands,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. He also acknowledged the challenges he has faced since her passing, crediting their children, Annabelle and Harrison, for helping him navigate the difficult year. “Thanks to the support of our wonderful children, I’ve been able to continue working and engaging in life,” he added.
The actor also made a heartfelt mention of an individual referred to only as “Sponge,” thanking them for helping him “laugh and love again.” His speech left both the star-studded audience and viewers at home in tears, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for his resilience and heartfelt words.
Davis’s career spans decades, with notable roles in Willow, Harry Potter, and Labyrinth, as well as his work in the Leprechaun horror-comedy series. Beyond acting, he co-founded the charity Little People UK with Samantha, advocating for individuals with dwarfism. The BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the British Academy, recognises his outstanding contributions to the film industry. Previous recipients include Steven Spielberg, Dame Judi Dench, and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

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