From Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, “Life’s Too Short Special” will wrap up the story of actor Warwick Davis, a little person trying to hustle his way back into the spotlight, when it debuts Friday, July 5, exclusively on HBO. Davis reprises his role as a fictionalized version of himself in the follow-up to the HBO comedy series.
After a long cold spell, things are looking up for the self-aggrandizing Davis, who once appeared in some of Hollywood’s biggest hits (the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” films). He’s living with his new girlfriend, Amy, and is elated to learn from fellow “Willow” star Val Kilmer that a sequel to that 1988 fantasy may be in the works – if Davis can help raise funds to finance the film. Is the prospect too good to be true?
In the seven-episode season of “Life’s Too Short,” which debuted on HBO in Feb. 2012, actor Warwick Davis struggled to jumpstart his fading career and maintain his status as Britain’s “go-to” little person. In addition to running Dwarves for Hire, a talent agency for fellow showbiz little people, he regularly sought advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections would aid his career – to no avail. Among the top stars making cameos on the show last year were Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell and Cat Deeley.
In addition to Gervais and Merchant, other returning actors on “Life’s Too Short Special” include Jo Enright as Davis’ ex-wife, Sue; Rosamund Hanson as his dim-witted assistant, Cheryl; Steve Brody as his incompetent accountant; Colin Hoult as his spiritual counselor, Bryan Medici; Kiruna Stamell as Amy; and “EastEnders” actor Shaun Williamson as himself.
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are the creators of the Golden Globe-winning BBC comedy series “The Office” and the HBO series “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show.” In addition to his feature film credits, Warwick Davis guest-starred on the series “Extras.”
