Samantha Davis – the wife of actor Warwick Davis – has sadly passed away at the age of 53.
The heartbreaking news was announced by the actor in a statement to the BBC.
Confirming that his “favorite human” had passed away on March 24, the Harry Potter star said: “Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs.”
Warwick continued: “She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humor and always laughed at my bad jokes.”
Harrison Davis, Samantha Davis, Warwick Davis, and Annabelle Davis in 2022. Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
He expressed gratitude at the fact that Samantha was his “most trusted confidant” and “an ardent supporter” of all of the projects throughout his career.
“With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power,” Warwick said. Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3.” (Warwick even revealed that it was Samantha who had encouraged Ricky Gervais to include him in the latter.)
The couple’s two children – Annabelle and Harrison – also honored their late mom, saying: “Her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives. Mum is our best friend and we’re honored to have received a love like hers.”
Samantha Davis has passed away at the age of 53. Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Stringer / Getty
Warwick and Samantha also shared two other children — son Lloyd, who tragically died just nine days after his birth, and son George, who died while Samantha was 20 weeks pregnant.
Speaking of the two children they lost in an interview with PEOPLE, Warwick said: “We love Annabelle and Harrison all that more because they’re here with us. We’ll always remember what happened with George and Lloyd. We’ll always be grateful that we had them for the short time that we did.”
An actor in her own right, Warwick and Samantha first met on the set of 1988’s Willow, before tying the knot three years later.
Warwick Davis has paid tribute to his wife. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty
As well as a small part in Willow, Samantha also appeared in Leprechaun 2 (1994) and alongside her husband once again in
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011).
Away from acting, Samantha – along with Warwick – founded the charity Little People UK in 2012. Per the charity’s website, the couple aimed to “ensure that all little people are portrayed in the media in a positive way”, and serve as an “invaluable resource to the dwarfism community, their friends and families.”
“She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear,” Warwick expressed.
In more recent years, Samantha was often photographed using a scooter to help get around as her mobility declined – however, she remained “determined that it would not impact her quality of life”.
Our thoughts are with Samantha’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
