A True Giant Of Fandom (Happy Birthday Warwick Davis!)

 In 1983 I saw (what I thought was at the time the end of The Skywalker Saga) "Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi" in theaters and my life was changed forever.

However, an actor that I would later come to respect and love was in this film...and I didn't know it. 

To be fair, no one would have known little Warwick Davis in an Ewok suit, even if he was famous.

He was originally meant to be an extra in the film, but when Star Wars icon and R2D2 actor Kenny Baker fell ill, George Lucas hand picked Warwick to be the great Ewok Wicket, seeing how he carried himself as an Ewok. Thus his great career as a fan favorite was born. He would later reprise the roll of Wicket in the television films "Caravan Of Courage: An Ewok Adventure" and "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor."

Five years later he would appear in one of my all-time favorite '80's fantasy films "Willow." I absolutely loved this film, having been a fan of circles & rings, dragons & kings, and all that was fantastical. The film wasn't a massive hit but over the years it became a beloved fan favorite and the news is that Disney + wants to Mr. Davis to reprise his role for a sequel series. My excitement it to the moon!

During The '90's he would spend a great majority as the horrific Lubdan in the cheesy yet very entertaining Leprechaun Series. Say what you will about that series...Warwick Davis can turn anything into a pot of gold. 

He would later return to Star Wars in different appearances and appear in another blockbuster series of films, thanks to his appearance as Professor Filius Flitwick in The Harry Potter saga.

He's hosted Star Wars events and here you can truly see his charm, wit, and warmth. Just a wonderful actor and personality. 

Happy birthday to the most wonderful giant of fandom, Warwick Davis!