For over three decades, Samantha Davis was the beloved wife of actor Warwick Davis, their enduring partnership a testament to love, resilience, and shared passions. While Warwick Davis is a familiar face to millions through his iconic roles in “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” Samantha was a remarkable individual in her own right, an actress, co-founder of a vital charity, and the cornerstone of their family. This article explores the life of Samantha Davis, her relationship with Warwick, her contributions, and the profound impact she had on those around her, based on information available up until her passing in March 2024 and the subsequent tributes and inquest findings.
A Meeting on Set: The Beginning of a Love Story
The love story of Warwick and Samantha Davis began on the set of the 1988 film “Willow.” Warwick, already known for his role as Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” starred as the titular hero, Willow Ufgood. Samantha was an extra in the film, and it was during this time that their paths crossed. Their connection blossomed, and three years later, in 1991, they were married, embarking on a life journey together.
What people were asking (about their meeting):
How did Warwick Davis meet his wife? Warwick and Samantha met on the set of the film “Willow” in 1988.
Was Samantha Davis also involved in the film industry? Yes, Samantha Davis was also an actress, with credits including “Through the Dragon’s Eye,” “ShortFellas,” and an uncredited role as a goblin in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” where she appeared alongside Warwick.
A Partnership Beyond the Screen: Family and Shared Passions
Beyond their individual careers, Warwick and Samantha built a strong family and shared several important passions. They had two children who survived infancy, Annabelle and Harrison, both of whom have followed in their parents’ footsteps into acting. Their family life was often shared at premieres and events, showcasing their close bond.
Tragically, Warwick and Samantha also experienced the profound loss of their first two children, Lloyd, who survived for only nine days due to complications from the dwarfism genes he inherited from both parents, and another child who was stillborn. Warwick has spoken candidly about this heartbreak, emphasizing the strength he and Samantha found in each other during those difficult times.
What people were asking (about their family):
How many children did Warwick and Samantha Davis have? They had four children. Their first son, Lloyd, passed away shortly after birth. They have a daughter, Annabelle, and a son, Harrison, who survived to adulthood. They also experienced the loss of a stillborn child.
Are Warwick Davis’s children also actors? Yes, both their surviving children, Annabelle Davis and Harrison Davis, are actors. Annabelle is known for her role in the CBBC series “The Dumping Ground” and “Hollyoaks,” while Harrison appeared in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and the “Harry Potter” series.
What was the cause of death of Warwick Davis’s first son? Their first son, Lloyd, passed away nine days after birth due to complications arising from the dwarfism genes he inherited from both Warwick and Samantha, who both had forms of dwarfism.
Co-Founding Little People UK: A Legacy of Support
One of Warwick and Samantha’s most significant joint endeavors was co-founding the charity Little People UK in 2012. This organization provides support and information to individuals with dwarfism and their families across the United Kingdom. Samantha was deeply passionate about helping others and creating a community for those with dwarfism, understanding firsthand the challenges and triumphs associated with the condition. Her dedication to this cause has had a lasting impact on countless lives.
What people were asking (about Little People UK):
What is Little People UK? Little People UK is a charity co-founded by Warwick and Samantha Davis that provides support and resources to people with dwarfism and their families in the UK.
Why did they start Little People UK? Having both experienced dwarfism and navigated its challenges, Warwick and Samantha were motivated to create an organization that could offer support, information, and a sense of community to others with the condition.
Is Samantha Davis still involved with Little People UK? While Samantha sadly passed away in March 2024, her legacy and the impact of her work continue through Little People UK. The charity continues its vital work in her honor.
Samantha’s Own Battles and Resilience: Medical Challenges
Samantha Davis faced her own significant health challenges throughout her life. She had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism, which was “complicated by very severe spinal problems” requiring multiple surgeries from 2016 onwards. In 2019, she fell ill with sepsis, requiring intensive care treatment. Despite these considerable medical hurdles, Samantha was known for her resilience, her determination to live life to the fullest, and her unwavering positive attitude.
What people were asking (about Samantha’s health):
What medical condition did Samantha Davis have? Samantha had achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, which led to significant spinal problems requiring multiple surgeries.
Did Samantha Davis have sepsis? Yes, she contracted sepsis in 2019 and required intensive care treatment.
The Final Chapter: Samantha’s Passing and Legacy
Tragically, Samantha Davis passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 53. An inquest into her death, held in April 2025, concluded that she died as a result of a cardiac arrest following complications from essential spinal surgery. The inquest highlighted that she had been due to be discharged from the hospital the day after her cardiac arrest, underscoring the unexpected and heartbreaking nature of her passing.
Warwick Davis and their children released emotional tributes to Samantha, describing her as their “most trusted confidant,” “best friend,” and a “unique character” who always saw the sunny side of life. Her passing has left a profound void in their lives and the wider community she touched.
What people were asking (about Samantha’s passing):
When did Samantha Davis die? Samantha Davis passed away on March 24, 2024.
How old was Samantha Davis when she died? She was 53 years old.
What was the cause of death of Samantha Davis? An inquest concluded that her cause of death was an arrhythmic cardiac arrest due to complications following left thoracotomies (surgical procedures where the chest wall is opened) related to her spinal surgery.
How did Warwick Davis react to his wife’s death? Warwick Davis shared deeply emotional tributes to Samantha, expressing his profound grief and highlighting her strength, support, and the immense void her passing left in his life and their family’s. He dedicated his BAFTA Film Fellowship award to her memory in February 2025.
Samantha’s Presence Beyond the Screen: A Lasting Impact
While not as widely known for her acting roles as her husband, Samantha Davis made her mark through her kindness, her dedication to her family, and her tireless work with Little People UK. She was described as a warm and open person who had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear. Her resilience in the face of her own health challenges and her unwavering support for Warwick’s career were hallmarks of her character. Her legacy continues through the charity she co-founded and the love she shared with her family and friends.
What people were asking (about Samantha’s impact):
What was Samantha Davis’s impact on the dwarfism community? Through her co-founding of Little People UK, Samantha played a vital role in providing support, information, and a sense of community for individuals with dwarfism and their families in the UK. Her work has had a significant and lasting positive impact.
How supportive was Samantha Davis of Warwick’s career? Warwick has frequently spoken about Samantha’s unwavering support for his career, describing her as his “most trusted confidant” and an “ardent supporter of everything I did.” He credited her encouragement for many of his professional achievements.
YouTube and Online Presence: Remembering Samantha
While Samantha Davis did not have a significant personal presence as a content creator on YouTube, her life and legacy are often discussed in videos and tributes created by Warwick, Little People UK, and fans. These online mentions serve as a way to remember her contributions and the impact she had. Warwick’s heartfelt speeches and the work of Little People UK continue to keep her memory alive in the online sphere.
FAQs
Who was Samantha Davis?
Samantha Davis (née Burroughs) was a British actress and philanthropist, born on January 30, 1971. She appeared in films such as Labyrinth and Willow, where she met her future husband, Warwick Davis. Together, they co-founded Little People UK, a charity supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families.
How did Samantha Davis and Warwick Davis meet?
They met on the set of the 1988 fantasy film Willow, where both were cast members. Their relationship blossomed from this encounter, leading to their marriage in 1991.
What were Samantha Davis’s notable acting roles?
Samantha had several acting credits, including an appearance in the BBC educational series Through the Dragon’s Eye (1989) and an uncredited role as a goblin in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011). She also reprised her role as a Nelwyn villager in the 2022 Disney+ series Willow.
Did Samantha Davis have any children?
Yes, Samantha and Warwick had three children. Their first child, Lloyd, tragically passed away shortly after birth due to inheriting both parents’ dwarfism-related conditions. They later had two more children: Annabelle and Harrison. Annabelle has followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming an actress known for roles in The Dumping Ground and Hollyoaks.
What health challenges did Samantha Davis face?
Samantha was born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. She underwent multiple spinal surgeries from 2016 onwards due to severe spinal issues. In 2019, she survived a life-threatening case of sepsis. In early 2024, she was hospitalized after losing mobility due to a disc prolapse and underwent two thoracotomy surgeries.
What was the cause of Samantha Davis’s death?
Samantha Davis passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 53. An inquest concluded that she died from arrhythmic cardiac arrest due to complications following thoracotomy surgeries. She suffered a cardiac arrest just hours before her planned discharge from University College Hospital in London.
What is Little People UK?
Founded in 2012 by Samantha and Warwick Davis, Little People UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families. The organization provides resources, hosts events, and fosters a supportive community to address the unique challenges faced by people with dwarfism.
How did Warwick Davis pay tribute to his wife?
Warwick Davis described Samantha as his “favourite human,” highlighting her unwavering support and positive outlook. He credited her with being instrumental in his career, stating that without her, projects like the Tenable quiz show and the Willow series might not have come to fruition. He also dedicated his BAFTA film fellowship award to her memory.
What is Samantha Davis’s legacy?
Samantha Davis is remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her advocacy for individuals with dwarfism. Her work with Little People UK has had a lasting impact, providing support and raising awareness for the dwarfism community. Her family, friends, and the broader community continue to honor her memory and the positive change she brought to many lives.
To conclude
Samantha Davis’s life was marked by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference. From her early days in the film industry to her philanthropic efforts, she touched the lives of many. Her legacy continues through the ongoing work of Little People UK and the memories cherished by her family and those who knew her.
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