Warwick Davis says wife's death has left 'huge hole in lives' as he leads tributes
The husband and wife actors married in 1991
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Actor Warwick Davis has said his wife Samantha's death has left a "huge hole" as he paid tribute after confirming on Wednesday night she'd died last month.
Davis, 54, met his wife, 53, on the set of his 1988 film Willow before the pair married in 1991.
Samantha co-founded the dwarfism charity Little People UK and featured in the final Harry Potter instalment alongside her husband, who starred in each of the films.
“Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs,” Warwick stated.
Speaking to the BBC, he continued by saying his late wife was his "most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career.
"She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes."
The actor confirmed his wife died in March
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The couple share two children, Annabelle and Harrison, who both also paid tribute to their mother.
They said in a joint statement: "Her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives.
"Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers."
The actor said his wife's mobility had been impaired over the last few years, but went on to add she had been determined to stay positive.
The husband and wife actors married in 1991
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In 2022, Davis shared the grief he and Samantha had gone through when their first son died shortly after being born due to complications that came from the dwarfism genes he'd inherited from both his parents.
Speaking to People, he stated: "I think it brings you closer together, or something like that. But it’s an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It’s devastating."
Daughter Annabelle, 27, is continuing the family tradition by acting, and has featured in CBBC's The Dumping Ground as well as Channel 4's Hollyoaks.
Samantha narrowly escaped death in 2019 after falling ill with sepsis, with Davis previously opening up about how their children "said goodbye" at her bedside before she made a surprising recovery.
As well as the Harry Potter films, Davis has featured in Star Wars, Doctor Who, The Chronicles of Narnia and more.
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The family paid tribute in a statement issues this week
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Following Warwick's heartbreaking statement, fans swarmed social media to pay tribute to the actress.
Writing on X, one shared: "So very sorry to hear this news. RIP Samantha Davis. My condolences to Warwick Davis and family."
"So sad to hear this. Saw Warwick and Samantha at a London ComiCon a few years ago. RIP Samantha Davis. Thoughts with Warwick Davis, their children and the rest of the family," a second penned.
"My thoughts go out to #warwickdavis in this hard time. Nothing but love," another added.
A fourth shared: "Saddened to learn of the passing of actress Samantha Davis — wife of Warwick Davis at the age of 53. “favorite human” #RIP Samantha."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to Warwick Davis and his entire family. Rest in peace, Samantha," someone else remarked as another posted: "How sad- RIP Samantha." (sic)