'Willow' star Warwick Davis pays tribute to wife, Samantha, who recently died at age 53

Published on April 17, 2024 10:22PM EDT

Warwick Davis, best known for his titular role in the 1988 film Willow, is mourning the loss of his wife Samantha, who died March 24 at age 53.

"Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family," Davis said in a statement to the BBC. "I miss her hugs."

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Davis revealed that Samantha's mobility had become impaired in recent years, but that she was "determined that it would not impact her quality of life".

The pair met on the set of Willow and married three years later. Samantha was also an actress, appearing in uncredited roles in Willow, Leprechaun 2, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 alongside her husband, as well as the children's series Through the Dragon's Eye.

In 1995, the Davises founded Willow Management, a talent company that represents short actors, and in 2012, they founded the charity Little People UK, a resource for the dwarfism community. 

"She was passionate about helping people, without judgment," Davis said in his statement. "She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear."

The Star Wars actor went on to credit Samantha for shepherding his career, adding that without her there would have been no Willow TV series. "With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything," he said. "It was like having a super-power."

Samantha is survived by Warwick and their two kids, Harrison and Annabelle, who also honored their mother, saying"her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives."

They added, "Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers."

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