‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Star Wars’ Actor, Paul Grant, Dead at 56

When it comes to fandoms, fewer are larger than the ones inhabited by Disney fans, Star Wars fans, and Harry Potter fans. The fantastical worlds created by Disney, LucasFilm, and J.K. Rowling have transported fans to otherworldly locations, letting them live their wildest fantasies. Star Wars introduced us to the adorable Ewoks. Harry Potter brought goblins to life in a whole new way. While we may not always know who the people are behind the incredible costumes, we do know that they are unforgettable.

Sadly, we have learned that one of the actors who appeared in both Star Wars and Harry Potter has passed away. According to a report from The Sun, actor Paul Grant has died after he collapsed outside of Kings’ Cross station in London. Grant had portrayed a goblin in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and one of the iconic Ewoks in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. Grant was also a stand-in for Kenny Baker and played R2D2 in some of the final scenes in Return of the Jedi.

Grant’s daughter — Sophia Jayne Grant — spoke with The Sun as news of her father’s passing was announced.

Daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, from Peterborough, said: “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.”

Grant’s girlfriend, Maria Dwyer, also released a statement, saying that the Star Wars actor was the love of her life and the funniest man she knew. In the past, Grant admitted that he had struggled with addiction. He claimed that all the money that he made doing movies was gone — spent on drugs and alcohol.

At this time, it is unknown why Grant collapsed. But we do know that he suffered a medical emergency outside of Kings’ Cross Station on Thursday, and he was rushed to the hospital from the London train station. Sadly, the doctors told his family that the actor was brain-dead. His family made the decision to switch off Grant’s life support on Sunday.

Grant leaves behind his three children — Sophie, Nicole, and Robbie — and his girlfriend.