Warwick Davis delivered an emotional tribute to his late wife, Samantha, during his acceptance speech at the BAFTAs.
The biggest names in film and TV arrived at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday (February 16) for the 2025 Baftas.
Among them was Warwick Davis, who attended the 78th British Academy Film Awards to receive the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, which recognizes those who have made an “outstanding and exceptional” contribution to the screen.
Rather than bask in the glory alone, the 55-year-old Willow star dedicated the accolade to his beloved wife, who passed away on March 24 last year at the age of 53.
Presented the award by his former Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, Warwick took to the stage to a standing ovation.
“This is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me… and I’ve been in Star Wars!” he joked before cheekily adding: “I’m going to keep this short, it’s been a long night… short, yes you can laugh.”
He expressed gratitude to his mother – his first agent – acknowledging her pivotal role in his career. Then, turning his attention to his support team, he quipped: “Sod that. I’ve done all the work, it’s for me! This is all mine.”
As the moment turned more emotional, Warwick opened up about his late wife, Samantha, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage and three children.
“Above all, I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife, Sammy, who died almost a year ago,” Warwick said, his voice breaking. “She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.”
In the audience, their children, 27-year-old Annabelle and 21-year-old Harrison were seen in tears as their father honored their mother’s unwavering support.
“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,” he added.
The Harry Potter star also gave a special mention to someone he referred to only as “Sponge,” thanking them for helping him heal.
“Special mention 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 to love again,” he said, visibly holding back tears.
Warwick concluded his speech on a grateful note, telling the audience and viewers: “Finally, thank you to BAFTA from the bottom of my heart for this incredible honor. I shall treasure it always. See you in the movies!”
The moving tribute resonated deeply with viewers at home, who took to social media to share their reactions.
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“I wasn’t expecting to get teary whilst watching the BAFTAs, but Warwick Davis has set me off. It must be incredibly difficult to receive such an accolade without having that special loved one in your life anymore,” one person posted on X.
Another confessed: “I was NOT emotionally prepared for Warwick Davis,” and a third praised his long-standing career and legacy: “Warwick Davis deserves ALL of his flowers! The way we’ve all grown up watching him on screen from a young child to an adult.
“His speech about his wife, who passed away a year ago, truly had me choked up, we heart you Warwick! You’re an absolute legend!” they added.
Another user reflected on grief’s lasting impact, saying, “Warwick Davis shedding a tear for his late wife was heartbreaking but so real. Grief isn’t something you can just switch off based on your environment.”
Warwick and Samantha shared a life filled with both love and hardships. Their firstborn son, Lloyd, tragically passed away just nine days after birth, an experience Warwick previously described as “devastating” and something he “would not wish on anyone,” per The Mirror.
Samantha also battled sepsis in 2019, a life-threatening condition, before making a remarkable recovery. Despite her resilience, she sadly passed away in the spring of 2023, leaving the actor to release a touching tribute calling her his “favorite human” and “most trusted confidant”.
“She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life, she had a wicked sense of humor and always laughed at my bad jokes,” he added in the statement.
In the wake of his late wife’s passing, Warwick has taken legal action against University College London Hospital, alleging medical negligence in her treatment for a spinal condition.
He has enlisted the legal firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate further, with an inquest into the matter currently pending.
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