Jack Purvis (actor)
British actor (1937–1997)
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Jack Purvis (13 July 1937 – 21 November 1997) was a British actor. Purvis had dwarfism, and at 4 feet 2 inches (1.27 m)[1] was mainly cast in roles requiring actors of short stature. He appeared in three of filmmaker Terry Gilliam's early fantasy films, with significant roles in Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen as well as a role in each film of the original trilogy in filmmaker George Lucas's Star Wars.
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Jack Purvis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 13 July 1937 London, England |
| Died | 21 November 1997 (aged 60) Bushey, Hertfordshire, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Height | 4 ft 2 in (1.27 m)[1] |
Career
For twenty years until 1991, Purvis performed as part of a musical comedy double-act with Kenny Baker, billed as the "Mini-Tones" (Baker was also a dwarf). Purvis played the trumpet to Baker's mouth-organ and vibraphone.[2] The duo would attend auditions for Star Wars in 1976, where Baker was instantly cast as R2-D2. At that time the duo had reached the final on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, and were reluctant to put the Mini-Tones work on hold.[3] After some negotiation, Purvis was also hired to appear in the film,[4] and would go on to play a different alien creature in each film of the original trilogy.[5]
In 1991, Purvis became quadriplegic after his neck was broken in a car repair accident.[2] This and the 1990 death of David Rappaport led to Terry Gilliam's indefinitely shelving an intended sequel to Time Bandits, where both actors played titular roles.[5]
Purvis died in November 1997 at the age of 60.[6]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Bashful | |
| 1969 | Popdown | mini photographer | |
| 1977 | Wombling Free | Great Uncle Bulgaria | |
| 1977 | Star Wars | Chief Jawa | |
| 1978 | I'm Dickie - That's Show Business | on-screen participant | |
| 1980 | The Empire Strikes Back | Chief Ugnaught | |
| 1980 | Not the Nine O'Clock News | Boxer on the Television | uncredited |
| 1981 | Time Bandits | Wally | |
| 1981 | The Goodies | Jester | uncredited |
| 1982 | The Dark Crystal | Muppet performer | Additional |
| 1983 | Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi | Additional | |
| 1983 | Return of the Jedi | Teebo | |
| 1985 | Brazil | Dr. Chapman | |
| 1986 | Mona Lisa | Brighton Busker | |
| 1986 | Labyrinth | Goblin Corps | |
| 1987 | People Are the Same the Universe Over | alien | |
| 1988 | Willow | Nelwyn Band Member | Uncredited |
| 1988 | The Adventures of Baron Munchausen | Jeremy / Gustavus | |
| 1989 | Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | Dufflepud Leader | |
| 1989 | Oingo Boingo: Skeletons in the Closet | Additional | |
| 1990 | The Silver Chair | Golg |