Size Matters Not by Warwick Davis

A TV Book Review

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You've probably seen actor Warwick Davis in many famous films but didn't recognize him. Due to his short height (3'6"), he tends to get cast as creatures, monsters, aliens, and goblins. His first role was Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and he's appeared in every Star Wars film since as assorted background characters. In the Harry Potter franchise, he played both Professor Flitwick and Griphook, and he played the titular character in every one of the off-the-wall silly and gory Leprechaun films, but he's most well known for starring in the cult classic, Willow, in which you actually get to see his face.

On television, Warwick made a guest appearance in an episode of Extras, which led to his collaborating with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on his own mockumentary series, Life's Too Short, in which he played a fictionalized, over-the-top version of himself. Later, he joined Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world in season three of An Idiot Abroad.

In Size Matters Not, Warwick chronicles his extensive acting career from when his grandmother suggested he audition for Jedi to when the pilot of Life's Too Short was picked up for a series, and finally to when shooting wrapped on the last film in the Harry Potter series. He discusses how he feels his small stature has been an asset to his life and work with humor and positivity. He recounts hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about George Lucas, Ron Howard, Val Kilmer, Ricky Gervais, and many more famous names in a casual, laid back way, as if he was talking about average Joes off the street. He also shares personal stories about his family, his friends, his childhood, his talent agency for little people (and very tall people), and his love of cheddar cheese and chocolate digestives.

The best and most surprising thing about this book is how funny it is. Warwick's writing is witty, clever, and full of height-related puns that will have you giggling, groaning, or both. His enthusiasm, warmth, and sunny outlook come through in every chapter and in the many photos included in the book.

The second edition of Size Matters Not was published in 2011, and I'm sure a lot more has happened in Warwicks's life since then, so I really hope he'll write a sequel. In the meantime, I highly recommend this fun and heartwarming book. Buy it on Amazon!