Warwick Davis hopes inquest into wife’s death ‘provides answers’ after finding love again
It's been a difficult time for their family.
The family of actress Samantha Davis, the late wife of actor Warwick, said they hope an inquest into her death will ‘provide us with answers’.
Ms Davis died aged 53 at University College Hospital in London on March 24 last year.
Warwick, known for his roles in Star Wars and the Harry Potter films, dedicated his Bafta film fellowship award to Ms Davis during an emotional tribute at the ceremony in February.
An inquest into her death is due to take place at place at Inner West London Coroner’s Court on April 14, after Warwick sued the hospital for ‘medical negligence’.
Earlier this year, it was claimed a hearing had been arranged to determine if the treatment Ms Davis received at University College London Hospital for a spinal condition contributed to her eventual death, which was understood to be caused by sepsis.
She first fell ill with sepsis in 2019, which led to intensive care treatment and spinal operations.
Samantha died aged 53 in March 2024 (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)In a statement issued ahead of the hearing through their legal team, Ms Davis’ family said it has been an ‘incredibly difficult time’ for them.
They added: ‘We know that the resilience and strength Sammy instilled in all of us will guide us through this difficult next chapter.
‘Her love, support, and determination is a legacy we want to continue.
‘Sammy’s Helping Hands fund, which was set up in her honour, has already had a huge impact on young people in the dwarfism community, and will continue to support families all over the UK moving forwards.
The couple have two children together (Picture: David Fisher/REX) Warwick has spoken about how difficult Samantha’s death has been for their family (Picture: @annabelleldavis)‘The last year and trying to come to terms with Samantha’s death has been incredibly difficult.
‘However, we hope that the inquest will at last provide us with answers.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and well wishes to us all.’
The hearing comes after Warwick spoke about finding love again, when thanking an anonymous woman called ‘Sponge’ while receiving his Bafta Fellowship award.
Warwick dedicated his Bafta Fellowship award to his late wife (Picture: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)He later said the woman who helped him find love again reminds him of Daisy May Cooper’s comedy character Kerry Mucklowe from This Country.
While speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, Warwick referenced the name sometimes given to Harry Potter antagonist Lord Voldemort – He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named – to avoid identifying the mystery woman.
He said: ‘I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.
‘Sponge very much reminds me of Kerry. Some of the things she says and her accent.’
Warwick compared the woman who helped him love again, Sponge, to Daisy May Cooper’s This Country character (Picture: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/Shutter)In his Bafta speech, Davis said: ‘I’d like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago.
‘She was always so supportive of my career, encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.
‘Since then life has been pretty tough for me but thanks to the support of our wonderful children, Annabelle and Harrison, I have been able to continue working and engaging in life.
‘Special mention too should go to Sponge, you know who you are. Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and love again.’
Warwick and Samantha married in 1991 (Picture: News Group/Shutterstock)Warwick rose to fame as an 11-year old after being cast as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi.
He met his future-wife during the filming of 1988 fantasy movie Willow, in which he has a starring role as the hero Willow Ufgood. He later reprised the role in a 2022 Disney+ series.
They married in 1991 and co-founded Little People UK in 2012 to help individuals with dwarfism and their families.
The pair also starred together in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, where Samantha played a goblin, while he played Professor Flitwick in all eight films in the franchise and also portrayed the Gringotts Wizarding Bank goblin Griphook.
The couple have two children, son Harrison and daughter Annabelle. They also had a son Lloyd who died just nine days after he was born.
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