Paul Grant, a UK actor and stuntman famous for appearing playing an Ewok in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” has died at age 56.
Police discovered 4-foot-4 star collapsed outside of King’s Cross Station in London on Thursday, reported the Sun.
Paramedics rushed Grant to the hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead, though he was kept on life support until Sunday, according to his family.
The Peterborough father of three lived with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic type of dwarfism, which he said had caused him health problems.
Born in Epsom, Surrey, on Feb. 3, 1970, Grant played one of the furry Ewoks that aided Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the rebel alliance during their fight against the Empire in the 1983 “Star Wars” installment.
He also notably portrayed a goblin in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
Grant’s other credits include “Willow” (1998) alongside Val Kilmer, 1986’s “Labyrinth” starring David Bowie, the Tom Cruise flick “Legend” and “Deuce Bigalow 2.”
The British actor faced issues with drugs and alcohol and admitted that he “lost everything,” including by spending money on cocaine and prostitutes.
Grant’s friends and family reacted to his passing.
“I’m devastated,” said his daughter, Sophie Jayne Grant. “My dad was a legend in so many ways.”
“He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face.”
Grant’s girlfriend Maria Dwyer, 64, called the late star “the love of my life” and “the funniest man I know.”
Read the full story here.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
