The actor Paul Grant, known for his roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter, has died aged just 56. Just over a week ago he was found collapsed outside King’s Cross station in London and taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him as brain dead. Days later, Grant’s family made the decision to stop his life-saving treatment and he died with his family by his side.
Grant’s best-known performances are as one of the Ewoks in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi in 1983 and as a goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001. He also played a role in the film Labyrinthe and Le mort. In addition to his acting career, he has also worked as a stuntman on movies like Willow and Legend. Paul Grant suffered from rare congenital spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a type of genetic dwarfism that caused him many health problems throughout his life and, in addition, he abused drugs and alcohol, which he never hid.
His daughter, Sophie Jayne Grant, and his girlfriend, Maria Dwyer, paid tribute online:
Sophie Jayne Grant: “I am heartbroken. My dad was a legend in many ways. He always made everyone smile. He would do anything for anyone and was a huge Arsenal fan. He was an actor, a father and a grandfather. He loved his daughters very much, his son and his girlfriend Maria, as well as his children, who were like stepchildren to him. My father, I love you very much, sleep well .”
Maria Dwayer: “Paul was the love of my life. The funniest man I know. He made my life complete. Life will never be the same without him.”