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Paul Grant: Star Wars, Harry Potter star found dead at train station

An actor who appeared in Star Wars, Harry Potter and numerous other films has been found dead outside a train station in London.

'Star Wars' actor Paul Grant dead at 56: Played Ewok in 'Jedi'

A famed Star Wars Ewok whose life went off the rails has died suddenly aged 56.

Paul Grant, who starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill in sci-fi classic Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, was found by police collapsed outside King’s Cross station in London on Thursday afternoon.

The fallen 132cm actor, who also appeared as a goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was rushed to hospital but doctors declared him brain dead, The Sun reports.

Paul Grant died suddenly aged 56. Picture: Supplied
Paul Grant died suddenly aged 56. Picture: Supplied
He also appeared in Harry Potter. Picture: Facebook
He also appeared in Harry Potter. Picture: Facebook

Dad-of-three Paul’s family told The Sun his life support machine was tragically switched off on Sunday.

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.”

Paul’s daughter Sophie Jayne Grant paid tribute. Picture: Supplied
Paul’s daughter Sophie Jayne Grant paid tribute. Picture: Supplied
Paul starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill in sci-fi classic Return of the Jedi (stock image). Picture: iStock
Paul starred alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill in sci-fi classic Return of the Jedi (stock image). Picture: iStock

Paul’s girlfriend Maria Dwyer, 64, added: “Paul was the love of my life. The funniest man I know. He made my life complete. Life is never going to be the same without him.”

In 2014, Paul was pictured snorting white powder and told a newspaper he had blown his film cash on drugs and alcohol.

Paul, who is divorced and shares daughters Sophie and Nicole, and son Robbie, with ex-wife Janet Crowson, once revealed how his life had hit rock bottom following the collapse of his marriage.

Paul’s life had spiralled out of control. Picture: Facebook
Paul’s life had spiralled out of control. Picture: Facebook
Paul was found by police collapsed outside Kings’ Cross station. Picture: Facebook
Paul was found by police collapsed outside Kings’ Cross station. Picture: Facebook

A family friend told The Sun: “He was a lovely bloke.

“He’s always battled with drugs and alcohol addiction but he was a talented actor.

“He called himself the ‘King of the Dwarfs’. It’s so sad.”

His past credits include 1998’s Willow with Val Kilmer, 1985 Tom Cruise movie Legend, Labyrinth starring David Bowie in 1986 and Deuce Bigalow 2.

The actor pictured with his partner Maria. Picture: Supplied
The actor pictured with his partner Maria. Picture: Supplied

He also played characters including small loveable furry Ewoks which lived on the forest moon of Endor.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called at 2.08pm on Thursday 16 March to reports of an incident at St Pancras Station, Euston Road.

“We sent an ambulance crew and a medic in a response car. We treated a man at the scene and took him to hospital as a priority.”

Paul’s family have started a fundraising page for his memorial service.

This story was published by The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Paul Grant: Star Wars, Harry Potter star found dead at train station

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/paul-grant-star-wars-harry-potter-star-found-dead-at-train-station/news-story/eabdf54bfa087e5b71b99b46d0a2b246