On Sunday 16 February 2025, Great Britain's best and brightest actors were gathered for the British Academy Film Awards ceremony. David Tennant opened the event with a special rendition of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers, even getting other stars to sing along with him. Several big names took turns presenting and receiving awards, but one actor in particular moved the audience.
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Indeed, Warwick Davis, renowned for his role as professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter franchise, was rewarded for his long career.
Warwick Davis pays emotional tribute to his late wife
Warwick Davis received a special BAFTA Fellowship Award for his long and successful career. The actor took the opportunity to pay tribute to his late wife, Samantha, who tragically passed away in 2024. The couple had been married for 33 years, and they welcomed three children together before her untimely death at the age of 53, in March 2024. The couple's first child, Lloyd, sadly passed away only nine days after his birth. Their daughter Annabelle, 27, and their son Harrison, 21, were both present in the audience to support their father, and they were seen tearing up during his heartfelt speech.
Warwick Davis began his speech with a joke, a comic relief for the actor who has been struggling with grief for the past year. He said:
This is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me... and I've been in Star Wars! I'm going to keep this short, it's been a long night... short, yes you can laugh.
The actor thanked his mother, who acted as his first agent in the film business, as well as his whole team, before moving on to talk about his late wife Samantha. He declared:
Above all I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago. She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.
Warwick Davis then thanked his children, and talked about his grief, which has surely helped other people going through the same ordeal. He concluded with these words:
Since then, life has been pretty tough for me but thanks to the support of our wonderful children Annabelle and Harrison, I've been able to continue working and engaging in life.
Warwick Davis honoured by BAFTA Fellowship
The 55-year-old actor was honoured with a BAFTA Fellowship. According to the BAFTA's official website, it is one of the greatest honours an actor can receive:
The BAFTA Fellowship recognises those who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television and is the arts charity’s most prestigious honour.
Warwick Davis was presented the special award by his Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, who earned about £14 million thanks to his work on the franchise. The audience watched a montage of the actor's most famous roles, as well as clips from his friends and colleagues, praising him for his professional and personal qualities. The actor was rewarded for his work, but also for his activism, as the official BAFTA website reads:
Davis uses his platform to challenge societal prejudice and champion self-empowerment, advocating that people with dwarfism can and do lead full and meaningful lives.
Read more:
Warwick Davis’ late wife left him a staggering £500K when she died
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint forced to pay almost £2 million in taxes
Daniel Radcliffe sheds light on the hidden tragedy that happened on the Harry Potter set
Sources used:
Daily Mail: Emotional Warwick Davis fights back tears as he pays tribute to his late wife Samantha and admits he has found love again while accepting the Fellowship Award at the BAFTAs
BAFTA: Warwick Davis to be honoured with BAFTA Fellowship
