Jack Purvis (13 July 1937 – 21 November 1997) was a British actor. Purvis had dwarfism, and at was mainly cast in roles requiring actors of short stature. He appeared in three of filmmaker Terry Gilliam's early fantasy films, with significant roles in Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen as well as a role in each film of the original trilogy in filmmaker George Lucas's Star Wars.
Career
For twenty years until 1991, Purvis performed as part of a musical comedy double-act with Kenny Baker, billed as the "Mini-Tones" (Baker was also a dwarf). Purvis played the trumpet to Baker's mouth-organ and vibraphone. The duo would attend auditions for Star Wars in 1976, where Baker was instantly cast as R2-D2. At that time the duo had reached the final on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, and were reluctant to put the Mini-Tones work on hold. After some negotiation, Purvis was also hired to appear in the film, and would go on to play a different alien creature in each film of the original trilogy.
In 1991, Purvis became quadriplegic after his neck was broken in a car repair accident. This and the 1990 death of David Rappaport led to Terry Gilliam's indefinitely shelving an intended sequel to Time Bandits, where both actors played titular roles.
Purvis died in November 1997 at the age of 60.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1966 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Bashful 1969 Popdown mini photographer 1977 Wombling Free Great Uncle Bulgaria 1977 Star Wars Chief Jawa 1978 I'm Dickie - That's Show Business on-screen participant 1980 The Empire Strikes Back Chief Ugnaught 1980 Not the Nine O'Clock News Boxer on the Television uncredited 1981 Time Bandits Wally 1981 The Goodies Jester uncredited 1982 The Dark Crystal Muppet performer Additional 1983 Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi Additional 1983 Return of the Jedi Teebo 1985 Brazil Dr. Chapman 1986 Mona Lisa Brighton Busker 1986 Labyrinth Goblin Corps 1987 People Are the Same the Universe Over alien 1988 Willow Nelwyn Band Member Uncredited 1988 The Adventures of Baron Munchausen Jeremy / Gustavus 1989 Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Dufflepud Leader 1989 Oingo Boingo: Skeletons in the Closet Additional 1990 The Silver Chair Golg
References
External links