Malcolm Dixon obit

Malcolm Dixon, diminutive actor who appeared in ‘Return of the Jedi’ and ‘Time Bandits,’ dead at 66

He was not on the list.

Malcolm Dixon, the short-statured actor who appeared in some of Hollywood’s most famous films, is dead at 66.

His death was reported Thursday by Fantha Tracks. No cause of death was revealed.

The 4-foot-1 performer is best known for his roles as an Ewok warrior in “Return of the Jedi” and Strutter in the 1981 British fantasy film “Time Bandits.”

Born in a northeastern English village in 1953, Dixon was discovered in his youth at an ice skating rink by a talent agency. After working on an ice show, he caught the attention of Muppets creator Jim Henson, according to Fantha Tracks.

His first notable film role came in 1971, when he was tapped to play one of the Oompa-Loompas in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”

Although the film received a lukewarm reception at the box-office and from critics after its release, it is considered a cult classic today.

Later, Dixon would appear in multiple Henson-directed films, including “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” in which he played a member of the Goblin Corps.

He also portrayed Merlin in the 1997 fantasy “A Witch’s Way of Love” and the Ron Howard hit “Willow" as a Nelwyn warrior. One of his “Willow” cast mates was Tony Cox, better known for playing Billy Bob Thornton’s foul-mouthed accomplice in “Bad Santa.”

Dixon is survived by his wife, Anita, and two children.

Filmography

Malcolm Dixon had acted in over 30 films, including:

Year       Title       Role       Notes

2005      100 Greatest Family Films             self        

1997      Witch Way Love                Merlin  

1988      Willow Nelwyn Band Member   uncredited

1987      Snow White        Diddy   

1986      Labyrinth             Goblin Corps     

1985      Arena                    Video

1983      Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi             Leektar the Ewok Warrior             as Malcom Dixon

1982      The Dark Crystal                               Additional Performer

1981-1982          The Goodies       Washing Machine / Dwarf           

1981      Time Bandits      Strutter               

1980-1981          The Dick Emery Show                     Episode #18.2 (1980) and Episode #19.4 (1981)

1980      Basil Brush                         

1980      Flash Gordon     Dwarf   

1979      Black Jack            Tom Thumb's Army        

1971      Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory      Oompa Loompa                uncredited

1966      Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs           Sleepy