Tony Cox

Born: 1958
Where: New York, USA

The actor of restricted growth made his feature debut as an Ewok in the Star Wars instalment The Return of the Jedi.

However, he is probably best known as as a dwarf and Billy Bob Thornton's conniving sidekick in the bad taste comedy Bad Santa.

Born in New York but raised in Uniontown in rural Alabama, Cox first struck out as a drumer in local bands.

However, he decided to become an actor and headed for Hollywood where he appeared in forgettable films including Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hype and Penitentiary II.

At the same time he also worked as a stuntman in Bladerunner as well as part of film crews as a grip.

In 1983, he was landed the role in Return of the Jedi and also appeared in the related TV movies The Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor.

Other minor appearances included Invaders from Mars, The Dinks in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs and Valet Girls.

In 1988, Tim Burton cast him in Beetle Juice and he followed that with appearances in high profile movies Willow, Bird and I'm Gonna Get You Sucka.

Subsequent appearances tended to be in low-budget fare such as Hollywood Hot Tubs II and Mom and Dad Save The World.

In 1995, he appeared in F Gary Gray's Friday with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker and also played Shonte Jackson in the Farrelly Brothers' Me, Myself & Irene.

An active member of the Little People of America organisation he also played basketball for the Hollywood Shorties.

In 2003, he enjoyed a substantial role as safecracking fixer Marcus opposite Bob Thornton's delinquent Father Christmas in Bad Santa.