‘Star Wars,’ ‘Willy Wonka’ Actor Dead at 66
Malcolm Dixon, the British actor who appeared in classic films such as Return of the Jedi, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Time Bandits, has died at the age of 66.
Dixon, who stood only 4-foot-1, was born in a northeastern English village in 1953. One of seven brothers, Dixon was the only one with dwarfism. After working on his parents’ poultry farm as a youth, he eventually found work with Muppets creator Jim Henson, and worked on many of his projects.
His breakout role was as an Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka. He would go on to star as the Ewok warrior Leektar in Return of the Jedi in 1983.
He would star as Strutter in Time Bandits, as well as additional roles in Willow, Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal.
A cause of death has not been announced.
He is survived by his wife Anita and two children.
Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of Malcolm Dixon.
H/T: Bantha Tracks
