Actor. Born in London, England, he was afflicted with dwarfism, attaining only the height in maturity of four foot one inch. He teamed with fellow performer Kenny Baker, another little person, with whom he appeared in nightclubs and theatres in a show called "The Mini Tones." In 1976, his partner was in negotiations for a film role, and was instrumental in gaining a part for Purvis as well. The film was "Star Wars" and the Mini Tones played R2D2 and the Jawa who salvaged him. Unique among "Star Wars" performers, Purvis appeared in all three films of the original trilogy each time in a different role; the Chief Ugnaught in "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and as Teebo the Ewok in "Return of the Jedi" in 1983 when he was joined by his daughter. His other films also included "Time Bandits" in 1981, "Brazil" in 1985, and "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" in 1988. His last role was in the television production of a tale of Narnia, "The Silver Chair" in 1990. A short time later, the brakes on his automobile failed after he parked and exited the vehicle. The car rolled backward, crushing him between the car and a wall. He suffered a broken neck, and was paralyzed for the remainder of his life. He died at 60 in Hertfordshire, England.
Actor. Born in London, England, he was afflicted with dwarfism, attaining only the height in maturity of four foot one inch. He teamed with fellow performer Kenny Baker, another little person, with whom he appeared in nightclubs and theatres in a show called "The Mini Tones." In 1976, his partner was in negotiations for a film role, and was instrumental in gaining a part for Purvis as well. The film was "Star Wars" and the Mini Tones played R2D2 and the Jawa who salvaged him. Unique among "Star Wars" performers, Purvis appeared in all three films of the original trilogy each time in a different role; the Chief Ugnaught in "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and as Teebo the Ewok in "Return of the Jedi" in 1983 when he was joined by his daughter. His other films also included "Time Bandits" in 1981, "Brazil" in 1985, and "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" in 1988. His last role was in the television production of a tale of Narnia, "The Silver Chair" in 1990. A short time later, the brakes on his automobile failed after he parked and exited the vehicle. The car rolled backward, crushing him between the car and a wall. He suffered a broken neck, and was paralyzed for the remainder of his life. He died at 60 in Hertfordshire, England.
Bio by: Iola
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