James Vee (born 3 February 1959) is a Scottish actor. He is best known for playing a number of Doctor Who monsters and aliens including Bannakaffalatta in the 2007 Christmas special Voyage of the Damned, as well as the Graske in the Doctor Who spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures. He is also well known as the actor for R2-D2 in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, replacing the late Kenny Baker, who died in August 2016.
Career Vee started his career as a stunt double/performer for various small actors and extras in films such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Vee also starred as Cheeky the dwarf in the King's Theatre, Glasgow adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Vee originally auditioned for R2-D2 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, although filming clashed with Pan at the time and Vee was not used. In November 2015, he was cast as R2-D2 in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, succeeding Kenny Baker before his death in August 2016.
Filmography
Films Year Title Role Notes 2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Goblin Uncredited 2007 Skins: Secret Party Digger Short film 2009 Kilt Man Midget 2010 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Goblin Video 2014 The Hogwarts Express Goblin Video 2014 Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Gringotts Goblin Video 2015 Pan Lofty 2017 Dark Ascension Evil Dwarf Star Wars: The Last Jedi R2-D22018 Train Set Randy Solo: A Star Wars Story Creature and droid puppeteer 2019 Rocketman Arthur 2020 Artemis Fowl Goblin (uncredited) 2022 Bite Dog Fight MC
Television Year Title Role Notes 2001 Weirdsister College The Gargoyle Episode: "The Gargoyle" 2005, 2007, 2014 Doctor Who Moxx of BalhoonSpace PigGraske BannakaffalattaSkovox Blitzer Episodes: "The End of the World""Aliens of London""Attack of the Graske""Voyage of the Damned""The Caretaker" 2007–2010 The Sarah Jane Adventures Chris SlitheenThe GraskeGroskeNathan Slitheen Episodes: Revenge of the SlitheenWhatever Happened to Sarah Jane?The Lost BoyThe Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith"From Raxacoricofallapatorius with Love"The GiftDeath of the Doctor 2008 Music of the Spheres Graske Doctor Who interactive mini-series 2017 Trust Me Mr. Kennedy Episode #1.32022The Witcher: Blood OriginDwarf BankerS1:E2 "Of Dreams, Defiance, and Desperate Deeds"
References
External links
BBC article about his casting Oh So Small - Personal Management/Sole Representative Interview with the Daily Record