Malcolm Dixon (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Malcolm Dixon
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| Born | 1934 Crook, County Durham, England
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| Died | (aged 85) Blackpool, England
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1966–1997 |
| Height | 124 cm (4 ft 1 in) |
| Spouse(s) | Anita Dixon |
| Children | 2 |
Malcolm Watson Dixon (born 1934 – died April 9, 2020) was an English actor. He was well-known for playing characters that used his short height of 124 centimeters (about 4 feet). He starred as Strutter in the 1981 movie Time Bandits. He also played roles like ewoks and dwarfs in many films and TV shows.
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Malcolm Dixon's Life and Career
Malcolm Dixon was born in Crook, County Durham, England, in 1934. He was the youngest of seven brothers. He was the only one in his family born with dwarfism. Malcolm grew up in Crook. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was young. He also outlived all of his brothers.
Early Life and Discovering Acting
Malcolm first worked on his parents' poultry farm. He was also a talented floral artist, making beautiful flower arrangements. A talent agent discovered him because of his amazing ice skating skills at the Durham Ice Rink. This led him to work in an ice show at Empire Pool, Wembley.
His unique height and physical abilities helped him get work with Jim Henson's Creature Shop. This is where many famous puppets and creatures for movies are made. He worked on several films and TV shows there. Later, he became an independent actor.
Famous Roles in Film and TV
Malcolm Dixon is most famous for his role in Time Bandits. He also had an uncredited role as an Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He appeared in many music videos too. Some of the artists he worked with include David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet.
Family Life and Passing
Malcolm Dixon was married to Anita Dixon. They had two children together. He passed away in Blackpool, England, on April 9, 2020, at the age of 85.
Malcolm Dixon's Film and TV Roles
Malcolm Dixon acted in over 30 movies and TV shows. Here are some of his notable roles:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Sleepy | TV movie |
| 1971 | Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | Oompa Loompa | uncredited (not listed in the credits) |
| 1979 | Black Jack | Tom Thumb's Army | |
| 1980 | Flash Gordon | Dwarf Number 1 | |
| 1980 | Basil Brush | ||
| 1980–1981 | The Dick Emery Show | Appeared in 2 episodes | |
| 1981 | Time Bandits | Strutter | |
| 1981–1982 | The Goodies | Washing Machine / Dwarf | Appeared in 2 episodes |
| 1982 | The Dark Crystal | Additional Performer | |
| 1983 | Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | Leektar the Ewok Warrior | Credited as Malcom Dixon |
| 1985 | Arena: An Absurd Notion | Music video | |
| 1986 | Labyrinth | Goblin Corps | |
| 1987 | Snow White | Diddy | |
| 1988 | Willow | Nelwyn Band Member | Uncredited |
| 1997 | Witch Way Love | Merlin | His last film role |
| 2005 | 100 Greatest Family Films | Himself | TV documentary |
Malcolm Dixon's Theatre Work
Malcolm Dixon also had a successful career in theatre.
Leading Roles on Stage
His most important leading role in theatre was playing Bilbo Baggins. This was in a play based on J. R. R. Tolkien's famous book The Hobbit. The play ran at the Fortune Theatre in London, England, from 1986 to 1989.
Other Theatre Performances
From 2000 to 2020, he regularly performed in panto (pantomime) shows. These were often productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 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
