In March 2024, beloved TV and film star Warwick Davis shared devastating news that rippled through the entertainment world: the death of his wife of more than three decades, Samantha — known lovingly to friends and family as Sammy.
The couple had been married for 32 years, building a life defined by devotion, humour and extraordinary resilience. Together, they raised two children. Together, they also endured unimaginable grief — losing two babies before they were able to bring their family home.
As Warwick prepares to step back into the spotlight this weekend to present an award at the BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, his story stands as one of profound love, deep loss — and quiet survival.
A Love Story That Began on a Film Set
Warwick, now 56, married Samantha in 1991 after the couple first met on the set of the 1988 fantasy classic Willow.
While Warwick starred in the title role, Sammy and her father appeared as extras, playing villagers. Sammy was the daughter of Warwick’s business partner, Peter Burroughs, and what began as a professional connection soon blossomed into something far deeper.
Three years later, they married — beginning a partnership that would weather both joy and heartbreak.
Two Children — And Two Devastating Losses
Warwick and Sammy later welcomed two children: daughter Annabelle Davis, now an actress, and son Harrison Davis.
Warwick and both children share a rare form of dwarfism caused by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED). Sammy had achondroplasia.
But before Annabelle and Harrison were born, the couple faced tragedy that few parents could comprehend.
Their first two children — sons Lloyd and George — died shortly after birth. The combination of their parents’ conditions proved fatal.
Speaking later on Bear’s Mission with Bear Grylls, Warwick opened up about the pain.
“Before Annabelle and Harrison, we had a baby boy, Lloyd,” he said. “He inherited both our conditions. That combination is fatal. Lloyd lived for nine days. He was beautiful… but it was a tough time. And we had a stillborn too.”
‘It Hit Us Like a Train’
In 2014, Sammy herself spoke about losing Lloyd in a deeply moving interview, recalling the moment doctors told her they would turn off the machine keeping him alive.
“I said, ‘No, no, no,’” she remembered. “But they said, ‘We’ll give him to you, and he will go to sleep in your arms.’ And he did.”
She later said those nine days would stay with her forever.
“I’m so glad he didn’t die on the machine. We gave him everything we could. At Lloyd’s funeral, I was proud. I was his mum. I had the best nine days ever.”
Despite the heartbreak, she said the tragedy strengthened their marriage.
“It could easily have broken us,” she said. “But it didn’t. If anything, we became stronger as a couple.”
Years later, they tried again — only to lose baby George at 19 weeks.
‘A Huge Hole in Our Lives’
Warwick confirmed Sammy’s death in a statement released on April 17, 2024, revealing she had passed away weeks earlier on March 24.
“Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family,” he said. “I miss her hugs. She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life. She had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes.”
Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Just months before she died, Warwick had shared what would become their final photo together — smiling during a quiet date night in October 2023.
Finding Meaning — And Love — Again
In 2025, Warwick was awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award at the BAFTAs for his outstanding contribution to film and television.
During an emotional speech, he dedicated the honour to Sammy.
“Above all, I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy, who died almost a year ago,” he told the audience. “She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.”
He admitted life had been “pretty tough” since her death, crediting his children for helping him carry on.
Then came a moment that stunned the room.
Warwick revealed that someone new — referred to only as “Sponge” — had helped him rediscover joy.
“Special mention should go to Sponge,” he said, fighting back tears. “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.”
Warwick Davis will appear at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, airing on BBC One at 7pm.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Daily Mail
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
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