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23 Jan 2026 1:27
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Warwick Davis became emotional as dedicated his BAFTA Fellowship Award to his late wife

    The 55-year-old actor had been married to actress Samantha Davis for more than 50 years when she passed away in 2024 at the age of 53 following a battle with sepsis, and he struggled to hold it together as he accepted the prestigious accolade


    Speaking live on stage at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday (16.02.25), he said: "This is probably the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I've been in 'Star Wars'. I'm gonna keep this short.

    "I'm gonna say thank you to my mum, my very first agent and the reason I'm here tonight. She's not a cab driver, she gave birth to me!

    "Above all, I'd like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy, who died almost a year ago."

    The 'Tenable' host claimed his wife had been "so supportive" of his career and very nearly broke down in tears as thanked those who had helped him through his grief.

    He said: "She was so supportive of my career, and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands, however I soon noticed that her enthisam for me taking on a particular role was often about how much she wanted that new designer handbag!

    "Since then, life has been tough for me but thanks to the support of our children Annabel and Harrison, I have been able to continue working and engage in life.

    "Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning, and for helping me to love, and to laugh again."

    Just moments before, Tom Felton - who starred as Draco Malfoy in 'Harry Potter' - had given a short speech about the actor, as he claimed that his co-star's "influence extends far, far beyond" the world of cinema.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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     Today's News

    Politics:
    Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the weather events of the past 48 hours have been a profound tragedy 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Valentino has died at the age of 93 21:40

    Accident and Emergency:
    Two bodies have been found at a house on Papamoa's Welcome Bay Road - after a large landslide caused extensive damage early this morning 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Lily Allen is "happy to be alive" after a lorry ran her new Porsche "off the road" 21:10

    Auckland:
    What we know about the landslide at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand 21:07

    Environment:
    Young girl among missing campers at New Zealand's Mount Maunganui after landslide — as it happened 20:47

    Entertainment:
    Valerie Bertinelli claims she was "fired" as a spokesperson for a diet company because she gained weight 20:40

    Entertainment:
    Stellan Skarsgard has branded Donald Trump a "little man who got megalomania" 20:10

    Entertainment:
    Chris Pratt has admitted he won't keep the giant painting of his father-in-law Arnold Schwarzenegger on the wall all year round 19:40

    Entertainment:
    Drew Starkey has been appointed brand ambassador for Dior 19:10


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