Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life And Career Of Warwick Davis

by Warwick Davis, Professor Emeritus George Lucas (Foreword), Gideon Emery (Reader)

The life and times of Warwick Davis, star of Ricky Gervais' sitcom, Life's Too Short Actors work their entire careers hoping to achieve the kind of cult movie hero status that Davis achieved at the age of eleven playing Wicket W. Warrick, the lead ewok in Star Return of the Jedi . In this lively and down-to-earth memoir, Davis offers personal stories on the making of some of the most popular films of the last few decades-including the Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Leprechaun movie franchises, among many others-and shares the unique perspective of life as experienced by someone with a one-in-a-million genetic condition. Here is the story of the real life of the man who helped destroy a Death Star, saved a princess, defeated an evil sorceress, taught magic to Harry Potter, became a Jedi Master, and embodied a mass murdering, gold-obsessed leprechaun-the one and only Warwick Davis. Warwick Davis' honest look at the highs and lows of life as an actor and pop-culture icon ranges from his screen debut in Star Return of the Jedi to his starring role in Ricky Gervais' sitcom, Life's Too Short . Includes behind-the-scenes stories, from sweltering inside a furry Ewok costume and filling in for R2-D2 to sliding down a glacier at Mach 2 with Val Kilmer and getting kicked in the face by Ricky Gervais again and again. The book features a foreword by George Lucas, who has been friends with Davis for three decades. Both refreshingly frank and highly entertaining, this book will help you see what life is like when it really is too short.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Star Wars, Biography Memoir

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Starred in "Star Wars - The Return of the Jedi" as the Ewok Wicket, being only 11 years old. After a huge variety of acting roles (Willow, Harry Potter movies, Doctor Who,...) he wrote his autobiography.

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while I was stuck in hospital for a couple of months and it really helped me through a very difficult time.

I've always loved Warwick Davis. But I didn't know that I loved Warwick Davis. When I was a child, I loved Willow, and I loved Wicket (I had a book called An Ewok Adventure: The Festival of the Wisties!)

I came to an understanding at a certain point where I realised that both were the same man, and that he had appeared in a wide array of films that I had seen.

You don't often see his name like some other celebrities, but he's there - a bucketload of talent and energy compressed into a little package and ready to go off in a flash of entertainment!

But as I read this I realised that Warwick Davis is more than a fantastic actor - he's a pretty fantastic person. He has none of the delusions of grandeur that some actors seem to get, but at the same time nothing is unachievable to him.

And he's a grandly compassionate person - his work has inspired many people considered "little" as well as people who are considered too tall!

I also really loved hearing more about the movies that I loved and the pictures that were included!

Thankyou Warwick for a great read and for making me feel big when I was feeling very small!

[Louise Hartgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing you hear about Warwick Davis is that he is a little person. Forget that for a sec, will you? He is an actor. a good one! If you have seen Star Wars, Willow, the Leprechaun series, Harry Potter, the fantastic BBC Narnia dramatisations on TV in the eighties, Ray, to name but a few, you've seen him or, as in my case, you've heard his distinctive voice.

The other night I looked him up on Wiki because I have only seen a bit of what I just wrote down there an wondered what else he's done, and I found out he's written this book. I got it as an IBook and read it in one, long, sleepless and interesting night.

Now you've read books by actors before, you know the ones. They drop a name every other sentence so that you are in no doubt that they're a star. It's all full of funny stories and gossip which may be true and then again it may not. This isn't like that. The author tells us about his life in a simple, interesting way which keeps you turning those pages. His life's lows are shared with us with honesty and without melodrama, and the high moments are shared with humour and humility. There are plenty of famous names and funny stories, but the ego is missing. The genuineness of this man comes off the page like the bouquet off a good wine. Don't take my word for it. Do yourself a favour, read it and see, you won't be sorry.

Here's one final interesting thought. Before I read the Wiki article I didn't know Warwick Davis was what he calls in the book a little person. I liked his voice and his acting, I had for years. I still do. Like my blindness, his size is totally unimportant. Size matters not, see? :)

[gaminette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warwick Davis is a terrific storyteller - and what stories! What a career he's had (and still has, of course). Unlike a lot of Hollywood autobiographies, which are basically transcripts of recorded interviews (yawn) this one was actually written, clearly by the man himself. (and if that's not the case, then he's more talented than I thought!) Mr Davis, besides being a talented actor, also is a witty and intelligent writer. The book is full of interesting and often hilarious vignettes from his working on Star Wars and Willow and Leprechaun. There were heartbreaking passages as well, particularly when he talks about his and his wife's struggles to have healthy children (they do!), but overall it's a fun, cheerful and inspiring read. loved it!

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

An 8 hour and 15 minute unabridged ::snickers:: audiobook.

It was funny, some parts, of course, were poignant. Kept my attention and even made me interested in seeing some films I hadn't seen before. Well written.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes you want to meet Warwick Davis, as he seems like the nicest person ever.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I don't often read in the celebrity memoir department. The genre usually strikes me as rather shallow and pompous. Sometimes, however, it is worth branching out and making exceptions. A footnote on the first page of "Size Matters Not" warns readers: "Brace yourselves: this book is pun heavy". It was obvious from that point that I had not erred in trusting the apparent above-average coolness of Warwick Davis.

The actor's story is full of fun anecdotes and written exuberant charm. The puns, as promised, are not in short supply. There are some poignant anecdotes describing the struggle of Davis and his wife to start their family, but for the most part this is an easy-breezy type read.

If I take something away from this one, it is yet another reason to appreciate entertainment of the sci-fi and fantasy genre. Warwick Davis is a wonderful actor. How many non-fantasy films, series, etc., can you think of that offer wonderful roles for little people? Besides "The Station Agent", I don't know of any. This doesn't say much for "real world" entertainment, but it does make me rather proud to be a geek.

Hats off to fantasy and science-fiction creators everywhere*, for opening those diverse doors.

*Just not Peter Jackson's corner of New Zealand. Pooh!

[Leah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Warwick freaking Davis. Isn't that all you need to know in order to pick up this book?! In all honesty, this memoir, is just a pure delight. Warwick goes through his childhood, his first acting gigs, all the way up to the filming of the Harry Potter movies. He balances talking about family life (including the tragic loss of his first two children which just broke my heart - I've been there) and his career. He's fun, he's honest, and I kinda wish I could be this man's friend. If you're looking for dirt on celebrities or gossip in the industry, this isn't the book for you. But if you want an honest glimpse into the life of an amazing actor and man, look no further. I hope more memoirs follow (this one was written over a decade ago).

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. Although there are some quite sad parts about losing children. Warwick has such a resilient spirit and should be an inspiration to all.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warwick Davis has been in everything from Star Wars, to Willow, to Harry Potter, to the most successful horror franchise bold enough to make six movies about a homicidal leprechaun. He comes across as a witty, kind person, and an even better friend, husband, and father. I especially enjoyed reading about his passion for spreading little people awareness, and his efforts to give back to charity and through his talent agency exclusively for little people. I now need to watch Willow again, as I haven't seen it in years, as well as all six Leprechaun movies.

[DC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really fun! Probably best suited for fans of Davis's work, as I definitely enjoyed the stories about movies I like more than the ones I haven't seen. Davis is warm and cheerful and this comes through in the narrative for sure - I enjoyed this book so much more than the other thing I finished recently (the not-so-great Gatsby).
I was a bit put off by his unwillingness to travel "places that require immunizations" or try new foods - he's so adventurous on so many other fronts! And the love for the Potterverse has, sadly, not aged well.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. Such a quick, funny read. I have to use the cliche..."I laughed, I cried" and, unbelievably, it is true. I laughed out loud, cried a little and was thoroughly entertained. I wish Warwick Davis many more happy, successful years in the film industry..or wherever his prodigious talents take him, and I will be looking for another autobiography someday. Please don't wait forty years though, I may not be here to enjoy it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been somewhat underwhelmed by the recent (auto)biographies I've read, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. There is something infectious about Warwick's zest for life and unbounded enthusiasm. You might expect someone who would always grapple with a world not made for his size to be either embittered or perhaps a bit sorry for himself, but if anything, you get the sense that he was quite happy to be born as a little person. Without punning too much, you could say he has had a larger-than-life existence.

[Roderick Vonhogen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this autobiography of Warwick Davis. I remember meeting him and his wife at the first Star Wars Celebration in Denver. They had their young daughter with them in a stroller and were so kind and upbeat. What I didn't realize back then is that they lost two children before that and went through a lot of hardship. This book shows the heart and the humor of this extraordinary actor. Highly recommended.

[Janette Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed is very much and enjoy sharing his memories and and work life

[Emma Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed learning more about Warwicks life.

[Mariah Startzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until about a couple months ago, I had never seen the Star Wars movies. I know, I know. Kind of ridiculous right? But it’s true. Fortunately though I wasn’t brought up with zero Star Wars experience. There is one Star Wars movie that made it past and I spent a good chunk of my young life watching it. With it I discovered my favorite Star Wars character who has continued to be so since even after watching through all three trilogies. Wicket W. Warrick, the young Ewok full of mischief and bravery. And the movie was Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure. I fell in love with Warrick Davis’ work way back then without even really knowing. It wasn’t till a couple of years ago when I discovered Willow, where Davis plays a young father/ wannabe sorcerer who is entrusted with delivering a small baby who was to become the downfall for a powerful evil witch, that I realized how much I loved Warwick Davis and the creative way he plays his characters. In his book “Size Matters Not”, Davis uses his humor to recall some of his greatest roles while also describing his struggles of being a little person. Thankfully, Warwick Davis is a very strong individual and accepts life’s challenges as they come about. He never sees his height as something to hold him back. Yes, he experiences his life differently from others around him, but he uses those experiences to further himself in his career and his everyday life. Such as opening a talent agency strictly for little people and writing and starring in a mockumentary series loosely based on his own life (which I have seen a bit of and it’s hilarious!). Davis’ specialty in his career is his ability to transform himself through outrageous makeup and costume. He has many times become other creatures from different worlds and has made them more than just a character on the page. He is always suggesting different stunts and actions to bring them more to life. Warwick Davis has the amazing talent of being able to really become the characters that he plays. He is never merely an actor wearing heavy makeup. My favorite part of this book is purely Warwick Davis’ wonderful personality. He is so incredibly funny. I spent much of my time laughing along with the book. Davis also has a joyous energy that you can feel dipping from the page. I feel like some of it has even seeped into my very soul. I had already decided one chapter into this book that I was going to have to end up buying it because I was enjoying it so much. Now that I’ve finished it, I can’t wait to get it in my hot little hands.

[Zack Clopton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warwick Davis' "Size Matters Not" may be my favorite celeb autobiographies I've read so far. Less fluffy than most, Davis delves into his struggles and successes with honesty and humor. He frankly talks about the difficulties he had when conceiving with his wife, how they lost two children before successfully delivering, as well as the financial problems that led to him starring in the first "Leprechaun" movie. At the same time, Davis' prose is quick, funny, energetic, and light-hearted. (He also doesn't put the "Leprechaun" franchise down. While having no illusions about the franchise's quality, it's obvious he enjoys the role and - as a lifelong horror fan - loves that he headlined his own horror series.) He is quick to acknowledge how lucky he's been, striking the reader as an extremely down-to-earth man that is witty and likable and has never let his difference in size from most of the rest of the world get him down.

"Size Matters Not" is a quick read, packed full of pictures and short chapters full of memorable, funny anecdotes. The edition I own is a second printing that includes a few bonus chapters, most of which are superfluous. This one was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.

[m. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting though fairly lightweight recounting from Britain's premiere little person, Warwick Davis, galloping through his roles in many notable film projects but fairly light with celeb anecdotes, which is fine. There are some genuinely touching moments, such as the series of heartbreaking events surrounding his and his wife's attempts to produce children (thankfully they now have a pair, boy and girl), which he spoke about without laying on the sentimentality, the directness of his approach making it all the more tear-inducing.

Overall, not an essential actor autobiography but definitely not a waste of time!

[Paul Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible journey Warwick is having through life

I first really noticed Warwick when we watched his program he made with his family traveling around the country in his camper van. Warwick and his family were clearly a lovely down to earth, and made a very enjoyable to watch program. When I saw this book on Amazon I thought I would get it and was amazed at the life Warwick had led so far, with all the ups and downs, but continues to move on to evermore new and exciting experiences for him and his lovely family. This is a lovely book to read and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Lisa Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read, thoroughly enjoyable and funny in parts. My only disappointment was that he didn't talk about his time in the Big Brother house, but otherwise an amazing story. I had no idea he had done so much.

[Louise Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

i rather enjoyed this book. heavy on his cinematic career with moments of sharing his personal life. interesting read

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warwick Davis is a fascinating little guy and this book tells the story of his life and career. Many people may not know who he is as rather a lot of his acting has been done stuck inside furry or shiny costumes but 'Size Matters Not' will tell you everything - and a lot more - that you ever wanted to know about life as a little person with a successful career.

It would be hard not to like Warwick. He's just so upbeat and so cheery about everything. Being born small - very small in his case - isn't easy but he seems to have accepted his lot as a blessing and absolutely made the most of every opportunity. From kicking off his career as an Ewok in 'Return of the Jedi', through playing the lead in 'Willow' and a series of 'Leprechaun' films and Marvin the Paranoid Android in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and one of the professors in the Harry Potter franchise, he's certainly been about a bit.

The career is interesting but I found his home life the more charming part of the book. From the fantastic support of his wonderful parents, through his marriage to fellow little-person, Sam, and their challenging times having and losing children, it's a real eye-opener into the pros and cons of being four foot three inches tall.

I enjoyed most of the book but did feel it went on a bit too long with a lot of 'samey' stuff happening. This was my husband's 'holiday book' and he enjoyed it but also said he'd have happily seen the last 50 pages slashed off the book as they added little. Our copy was a later edition than the original one and had been updated without really adding much to the story.

[Luke Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Size Matters Not is a light and casual read that is more memoir than autobiography from actor Warwick Davis. As a big Star Wars fan, Davis will forever be Wicket the Ewok to me but he is perhaps more recognizable as the title character in the fantasy adventure film Willow or the horror series Leprechaun. This is nothing too heavy or too deep, it's mostly just Davis recounting tales with the famous people he's shared the screen with such as: Val Kilmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Harrison Ford. It's enjoyable to read that the big celebrities we want to believe are good people in real life really are such as Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) buying the then 11 year old Davis a pile of Star Wars action figures or Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) feeding him cookies between takes of Return of the Jedi. Though the book does have Davis talking about losing two sons at birth due to genetic complications, the book is overall fun and full of little people jokes.

[Louise Fyffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been aware of Warwick since falling in love with Willow as a child so thought I'd give his biography a try. It is very good and goes all the way from childhood to his successful career in acting. This book covers all aspects of Warwick's life and I couldn't help but be impressed with his determination to use his good fortune and talents to help others in his position. This is very candid, has some great anecdotes from movie favourites and also sheds some light on the impact his dwarfism has on him and his family. This is on the whole an uplifting and interesting biography but prepare yourself for some years along the way.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable romp through the life of Warwick Davis, whose work I'd guarantee you've seen in some form even if you didn't realize it. Heck, I could name many of his roles and I still didn't know he played Marvin the Paranoid Android in the Hitchhiker's Guide movie (as one example).

There is a great deal of humor running through this book, but Warwick has had his share of heartache, including two children that didn't survive past (or to) infancy. He candidly discusses what his life has been like as a little person, with a generally very positive outlook and a philosophy of encouragement and dreaming big.

Definitely worth a read.

[Pfotenstaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. Interesting, entertaining, not too difficult to read even for the non-native speaker, and full of fascinating trivia about the film business and the movies Davis has been part off - and even some more. The story of Davis' life so far focuses mostly on his career, including a very balanced part of his private life that feels to be just the perfect amount; not too little and not too much.
I had a really good time with it! Knowing so many more details now, I also want to re-watch most of the films with Davis I have already seen.
[review originally left at bookcrossing.com]

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this and although I don’t usually listen regularly, found myself wanting to squeeze it in whenever I could. This is really well-done, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Warwick comes across as a uniquely good person, and has led an interesting and exciting life. A few of the film chapters did get a bit long, but the anecdotes were interesting, funny, and memorable. I was especially moved by his recounting the loss of two of his children and his general commitment to his family. I also loved hearing his perspectives on being a little person. I’d definitely recommend this.

[Daisy Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read autobiographies but with nothing else I could put my hands on I picked up "Size Matters Not." Well, what a surprise. I've been a fan of Warwick Davis since he started hosting Tenable and I loved his characterisation of the goblin in Harry Potter...but I never realised he lived such an extraordinary life. I laughed in all the right places and shed tears for baby Lloyd. He must be a really strong, as well as delightful character, to face so many challenges and still come up smiling. Oh, I should add...I've never seen "Willow" but I'm now going to buy the DVD.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. I laughed even more!

I went through this quickly. I enjoyed hearing about his start in life, including a very supportive family. Then how he got is start in entertainment - he was given an opportunity and boy did he take it! Well done for his work ethic, and most especially for his obvious enjoyment of it.

Loved the photos and some of the stories he had to share. Definitely recommend. Now, I'm off to rewatch Willow, Harry Potter, Star Wars and maybe even some Leprechaun...

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cutest, most positive, most readable autobiography I've had the pleasure of reading in ages. Davis goes through his life without shying away from any portions of it - the good, the bad, the ridiculous. His excitement over even the most oddball roles is infectious. Frankly, he has been in so many more movies than I realized. My first discovery of him was the sublime Willow and, realizing now that he was under the age of 20 when he did that, holy cow.

It's just... This is the most charmingly up-beat thing ever.