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Malcolm Watson Dixon (1934 – 9 April 2020) was an English actor. He is known for having played the role of Strutter in the 1981 film Time Bandits.[1][2] He had many roles which took advantage of his 124 cm (4 ft 1 in) height, such as Ewoks and dwarfs.
Malcolm Dixon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1934 Crook, County Durham, England |
| Died | (aged 85) Blackpool, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1966–1997 |
| Height | 124 cm (4 ft 1 in) |
| Spouse | Anita Dixon |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
editMalcolm Dixon was born in Crook, County Durham, in 1934, as the youngest of seven brothers and the only child with dwarfism. He was raised in Crook. His parents died when he was young and he outlived all his brothers.[3]
Career
editDixon's stature and physical abilities landed him work with Jim Henson's Creature Shop, where he worked in multiple films and television shows until becoming an independent actor. He starred in Time Bandits and also in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as an Oompa-Loompa (an uncredited role). He featured in many music videos for artists including David Bowie, Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet.
Death
editHe died in Blackpool on 9 April 2020, at the age of 85.[4][5]
Filmography
editDixon had acted in over 30 film and TV productions, including:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Sleepy[6] | TV movie |
| 1971 | Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | Oompa Loompa | uncredited[7][8] |
| 1979 | Black Jack | Tom Thumb's Army | |
| 1980 | Flash Gordon | Dwarf No. 1 | |
| 1980 | Basil Brush | ||
| 1980–1981 | The Dick Emery Show | 2 episodes | |
| 1981 | Time Bandits | Strutter | |
| 1981–1982 | The Goodies | Washing Machine / Dwarf | 2 episodes |
| 1982 | The Dark Crystal | Additional Performer | |
| 1983 | Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | Leektar the Ewok Warrior | as Malcom Dixon |
| 1985 | Arena: An Absurd Notion | Video | |
| 1986 | Labyrinth | Goblin Corps | |
| 1987 | Snow White | Diddy | |
| 1988 | Willow | Nelwyn Band Member | Uncredited |
| 1997 | Witch Way Love | Merlin | (final film role) |
| 2005 | 100 Greatest Family Films | Himself | TV movie documentary |
Theatre
editHis main leading role in theatre was as Bilbo Baggins in an adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit at the Fortune Theatre in London, England, from 1986 to 1989. From 2000 to 2020, he was a regular in panto productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.[9][10][11] His other theatre roles included:
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Phoenix Arts Center, Leicester, England
- Peter Pan at The Palladium
- Sleeping Beauty on Ice in 1968 at Empire Pool, Wembley
References
edit- ^ "There are now just three Munchkins alive". News.com.au. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "The Time Bandits...30 Years On". Thepeoplesmovies.com. 21 August 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ Whetstone, David. "Malcolm hits the big time". The Journal. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ Lederer, Donnie (11 April 2020). "Time Bandits, Return of the Jedi Actor Malcolm Dixon Dies at 66". Syfy Wire. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ "Dixon, Malcolm Watson b. 1934, GRO Reference: DOR Q2/2020 in BLACKPOOL (581-1B) Entry Number 520505089". GRO INdex. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". Genome.ch.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ Kilma, Jeff. "Recasting Movies With YouTubers: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory". Rockstars. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Meet Albert Wilkinson - one of the original Oompa Loompas". Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 18 December 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ Mottram, Margaret. "Review: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Albert Halls, Bolton". Theboltonnews.co.uk/. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Jimmy pays tribute to panto team/". Jimmycricket.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Swansea Grand Theater Pantomime Archive". Swanseasgrand.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2017.