Warwick Davis put on a brave face at the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday – as lawyers continue to investigate his wife’s death. 

The actor, 55, who played Professor Flitwick, Griphook and a Goblin Bank Teller in the Harry Potter franchise, appeared in positive spirits when pictured despite all that he is going through. 

It’s been a difficult time for Warwick as a firm acting for the Hollywood star continues to probe the death of Samantha Davis, who died aged 53 in March last year following surgery to treat compression on her spine at University College Hospital in London.

To mark the opening of the fourth theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort, Warwick was joined by his former co-stars Oliver and James Phelps. 

Oliver and James, who played Fred and George Weasley in the films, supported Warwick on the blue carpet. 

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Warwick Davis put on a brave face at the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday – as lawyers continue to investigate his wife’s death 

The actor, 55, who played Professor Flitwick, Griphook and a Goblin Bank Teller in the Harry Potter franchise, appeared in positive spirits when pictured despite all that he is going through 

During the opening day the most popular ride quickly became Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

The new Harry Potter themed section will transport guests from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic, and also features more shops and restaurants.

Meanwhile, lawyers acting for Warwick are continuing to investigate whether his wife may have died as a result of alleged medical negligence at an NHS hospital in London following the conclusion of an inquest into her death.

In April, a coroner ruled the actress had died of arrhythmic cardiac arrest following complications of essential surgical treatment and from the effects of achondroplasia – a bone growth disorder which results in dwarfism.

Samantha had been admitted to UCH weeks before following loss of mobility in her lower limbs after a disc prolapse, and had undergone two thoracotomies – where the chest wall is opened – on February 20 and March 14.

Her prognosis had been positive and there were plans to discharge her – but she went into cardiac arrest at 11.25pm on March 23, and was pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at 12.28am on March 24 following attempts to resuscitate her. 

An autopsy concluded she had died of complications from a left hemothorax – where blood collects in the area between the lungs and the chest wall – following surgery.

To mark the opening of the fourth theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort, Warwick was joined by his former co-stars Oliver and James Phelps

Pathologists told Mrs Davis’ inquest that he saw no evidence of the bleeding being caused by the removal of a surgical drain after surgery.

Her family said she had suffered a ‘similar episode’ after having a drain removed following a previous operation, and had raised concerns about an ‘intense’ physiotherapy session hours before she died.

Earlier this year, MailOnline revealed that Davis had instructed lawyers at top firm Irwin Mitchell to represent his family and is working with them to investigate the circumstances of her death. 

Warwick left BBC viewers ‘absolutely sobbing’ when he gave a heartfelt tribute to his late wife during his acceptance speech at the 2025 BAFTAs in February. 

The actor was honoured with a BAFTA Fellowship, which recognises those who have made an ‘outstanding and exceptional’ contribution to the screen.

He fought back tears as he accepted the gong and dedicated it to his wife Samantha, who tragically died last year, visibly moving both the star-studded audience and viewers watching at home.

Warwick was presented the award by his former Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, while the audience were shown a montage of scenes from his famous projects, interspersed with clips from his fellow stars and family, praising his talents.

Taking to the stage to a standing ovation, he began his speech: ‘This is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me… and I’ve been in Star Wars!

‘I’m going to keep this short, it’s been a long night… short, yes you can laugh.’ 

It’s been a difficult time for Warwick as a firm acting for the Hollywood star continues to probe the death of Samantha Davis, who died aged 53 in March last year following surgery

Earlier this year, Warwick left BBC viewers ‘absolutely sobbing’ when he gave a heartfelt tribute to his late wife during his acceptance speech at the 2025 BAFTAs 

Warwick went on: ‘I’m going to say thank you to my mum, my first agent, she’s the reason I am here tonight.’

He then thanked all his team who supported him throughout his career and shared the award with them, before amending: ‘Sod that. I’ve done all the work, it’s for me! This is all mine.’

While he then became emotional as he dedicated the award to his beloved wife, who pᴀssed almost one year ago at the age of 53.

Warwick said: ‘Above all I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago. 

‘She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.’

Samantha – who was herself an actor – had been married to Warwick for 33 years, welcoming three children together, before her devastating death on March 24.

Their daughter Annabelle, 27, and son Harrison, 21, were both seen crying in the audience as their dad thanked them helping him get through the tough year.