Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Paul Grant has passed away at the age of 56. Born in Epsom, Surrey in 1970, Grant is best known for playing an Ewok in 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and a goblin in 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The actor lived with a condition known as Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic type of dwarfism that caused him health problems. Grant was also open about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
First reported by The Sun, Grant collapsed outside King's Cross railway station in London, was discovered by police, and rushed by paramedics to the hospital where doctors declared him brain-dead. Several days later, Grant's family made the decision to turn off his life support. Grant is survived by his daughter Sophie Jayne Grant and girlfriend Maria Dwyer who both paid tribute to the late actor, which can be read below:
Sophie Jayne Grant: I’m devastated. My dad was a legend in so many ways. He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face. He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan. He was an actor, father and grandad. He loved his daughters and son and his girlfriend Maria very much, as well as her kids who were like stepchildren to him. My dad I love you so much sleep tight.
Maria Dwyer: Paul was the love of my life. The funniest man I know. He made my life complete. Life is never going to be the same without him.
Paul Grant Leaves Behind A Huge Legacy With Few Screen Credits
With only seven total credits to his name, Grant leaves behind a huge legacy thanks to his roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter. The two film franchises are the second and third-biggest behind only the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to Star Wars and Harry Potter, Grant's only other two acting credits are Labyrinth, playing a member of the Goblin Corps in the 1986 film produced by George Lucas, and the 1987 film The Dead, credited as a character called the "1st Young Gentleman."
In addition to his acting credits, Grant was also a stunt performer and double on three well-known films, including the 1985 Ridley Scott-directed film Legend starring Tom Cruise. In addition to acting in Labyrinth, Grant was also a stunt double for Hoggle and a few years later, performed stunts in another film produced by Lucas, Willow starring Warwick Davis. Because of his impactful roles mostly during the 1980s, news of Paul Grant's passing is being felt around the globe.
Source: The Sun