The self-styled ‘King of the Dwarfs’ who battled drink and drugs after acting career
With his small physical stature, actor Paul Grant played roles in huge Hollywood blockbusters and called himself the “King of the Dwarfs.”
But when his death was announced yesterday – sparking an avalanche of tributes – the dark side of fame was brought into sharp focus.
It couldn’t be made clearer than in a poignant photo from 2014 as he drinks alcohol and uses cocaine.
That year he told how he blew all his money on booze, drugs and prostitutes after his life spiraled out of control after divorcing his wife.
Paul Grant, from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, spoke out after photos surfaced of him sniffing lines of cocaine and drinking cans of cheap aged lager.
Off the rails: Star Wars actor Paul Grant pictured with lines of cocaine and a can of strong Polish lager
Mr Grant, who famously played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi (pictured), where he starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, said three weeks ago: ‘I’ve been thinking about this, it’s my last day drinking. I drank too much’
His daughter, Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, spoke out after his passing.
She said she was “devastated” and described the actor, who starred in the 1980s hit Labyrinth, as a “legend in so many ways.”
Speak against The sunSophie, from Peterborough, said: ‘He always brought a smile and a smile to everyone’s face.’
She added, “My father, I love you so much, sleep tight.”
Paul was a father, grandfather and actor who would do anything for anyone, his heartbroken daughter said.
She shared how much he loved his daughters, son and girlfriend Maria Dwyer, 64.
Maria described Paul as the love of her life who made her life complete in a heartbreaking tribute.
Paul Grant revealed in an interview at London’s King’s Cross station (pictured) last month that he had ‘drinked too much’ and admitted to ‘blowing up’ his Star Wars fortune
The father of three children collapsed outside the same station on Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced brain dead. Pictured: Mr Grant in Labyrinth alongside David Bowie, where he performed as part of the goblin corps
A friend of the family also told the newspaper: ‘He was a nice guy. He has always struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, but he was a talented actor.
Paul Grant revealed just weeks before he died that he had “drinked too much” and admitted that he had “blown up” his Star Wars fortune.
The actor explained in an interview at King’s Cross station in London last month how he had spent his money on sex workers and drugs.
Mr. Grant stated it was ‘my last day drinking’ and added, ‘I have to stop doing this.’
Paul Grant has died aged 56, his family confirmed after he was found collapsed
Paul Grant also played a stunt double for Hoggle in Labyrinth (pictured)
The father of three children was found collapsed outside the same station on Thursday afternoon.
He was rushed to hospital where he was declared brain dead, but his life support machine was turned off on Sunday, his family said. His cause of death has not yet been announced.
Mr. Grant, who famously played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, where he starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, suggested three weeks before his death that it was time to stop drinking.
“I’ve been thinking about this, it’s my last day drinking,” the Harry Potter actor told the YouTube channel Revelation 22:13. ‘I drank too much.’
Mr. Grant admitted that he “had money” from working in the industry, but had spent all his money on activities he apparently enjoyed.
He said he “enjoyed my life” and joked, “You only live once, don’t you?”
When asked if he was battling alcohol or drug addiction, he reiterated that he was “not addicted to anything” and was “just enjoying himself.”
The actor said, “I can drink for a whole day or a month, but I’m not addicted to it.”
Mr Grant, from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, spoke earlier in 2014 about how he blew all his money on drink, drugs and prostitutes as his life spiraled out of control after breaking up with his wife.
He told The Sunday Mirror he cheated on her a number of times, went ‘AWOL’ and blamed himself for the collapse of their marriage.
When he spoke, he admitted, “I need help. I’ve been on cocaine and it’s only gotten worse. I drink and smoke what I can get my hands on.’
“I had a family, I was married, now I’m divorced. I’ve lost everything. I have nothing, my things, photos, clothes are everywhere,” he added.
Family said he was found collapsed on Thursday and his life support machine was turned off on Sunday
Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Paul Grant pictured here with his partner Maria
Paul also appeared in the 1986 movie Labyrinth as part of the goblin corps
“I don’t know what I want at the moment. I had money, I ruined it all, I spent it on drugs and prostitutes.’
Mr. Grant is survived by his girlfriend Maria, his two daughters and a son, as well as his stepchildren and grandchildren.
He called himself the King of the Dwarfs. It’s so sad.’
The 4ft 4in dwarf appeared as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi and previously told the Mirror that he replaced actor Kenny Baker as R2D2 in the final scenes.
He played a goblin in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Mr. Grant also appeared in the 1986 movie Labyrinth as part of the goblin corps, as well as Hoggle’s stunt double.
For confidential support, call the Samaritans at 116123 or visit a local Samaritans office, see www.samaritans.org for more information.
People struggling with alcohol addiction can also find support at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.