Paul Grant opens up about his battle with drink and drugs in last interview

Paul Grant revealed just weeks before he died that he had been ‘drinking too much’ and admitted to ‘blowing’ his Star Wars fortune.

The actor, in an interview conducted at London‘s King’s Cross station last month, explained how he had spent his money on sex workers and drugs.

Grant declared in the interview that it was ‘my last day of drinking’, adding: ‘I need to stop doing this.’ 

The father of three was found collapsed outside that same station on Thursday afternoon. 

He was rushed to hospital where he was declared brain dead, and his life support machine was eventually switched off on Sunday, his family said. His cause of death has not yet been announced.

Paul Grant, left, in an interview conducted at London’s King’s Cross station last month, revealed that he had been ‘drinking too much’ and admitted to ‘blowing’ his Star Wars fortune

Grant, who famously played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, said three weeks ago: ‘I’ve been thinking about this, it’s my last day of drinking. I’ve been drinking too much’

The father of three collapsed outside that same station on Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared brain dead. Pictured: Grant in Labyrinth where he appeared as part of the goblin corps

Grant, who famously played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi alongside Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill, suggested three weeks before his death that it was time to quit drinking.

‘I’ve been thinking about this, it’s my last day of drinking,’ the Harry Potter actor told the YouTube channel Revelation 22:13. ‘I’ve been drinking too much.’

Grant admitted that he ‘had money’ from his work in the industry, but had spent all his funds. 

He said that he ‘enjoyed my life’ and joked: ‘You only live once, don’t ya?’

When asked if he was battling alcohol or drug addiction, he reiterated that he was ‘not addicted to anything’ and was ‘only enjoying myself’.

The actor said: ‘I can drink a whole f***ing day or a month, but I’m not addicted to it.’

Paul Grant’s family confirmed that he died aged 56 after collapsed at King’s Cross station

The British actor also played a stunt double for Hoggle in Labyrinth (pictured)

Grant, from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, previously spoke out in 2014 about how he blew all his cash on drink, drugs and sex workers as his life spiraled out of control after breaking up with his wife.

He told The Sunday Mirror he cheated on her a number of times, went ‘AWOL’ and blamed himself for the collapse of their marriage. 

Speaking at the time, he admitted: ‘I need help. I’ve been on cocaine and it has just got worse. I’m drinking and smoking what I can get.’ 

‘I had a family, I was married, now I’m divorced. I’ve lost everything. I’ve not got anything, my things, pictures, clothes are all over the place,’ he added. 

‘I don’t know what I want at the moment. I had money, I blew it all, I spent it on drugs and prostitutes.’  

Grant is survived by his girlfriend Maria, his two daughters and one son, as well as his stepchildren and grandchildren. 

His daughter, Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, spoke out after his passing. 

She said was ‘devastated’ and described the actor as a ‘legend in so many ways’.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: ‘He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face.’

She added: ‘My dad I love you so much sleep tight.’ 

Grant was a father, grandfather and actor who would do anything for anyone, his devastated daughter said.

She spoke of how much he loved his daughters, son and girlfriend Maria Dwyer, 64. 

Ms Dwyer described Grant as the love of her life who made her life complete in a heartbreaking tribute. 

A family friend also told the newspaper: ‘He was a lovely bloke. He’s always battled with drugs and alcohol addiction but he was a talented actor. 

A family friend said of Grant: ‘He was a lovely bloke. He’s always battled with drugs and alcohol addiction but he was a talented actor.’ 

The Star Wars and Harry Potter actor with his partner Maria Dwyer

Grant appeared in the 1986 film Labyrinth as part of the goblin corps

‘He called himself the ‘King of the Dwarfs’. It’s so sad.’

The 4ft 4in dwarf appeared as an Ewok in Return of the Jedi and previously told the Mirror he stood in for actor Kenny Baker as R2D2 in the final scenes.

He played a goblin in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Mr Grant also appeared in the 1986 film Labyrinth as part of the goblin corps, as well as Hoggle’s stunt double.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details. 

Those struggling with alcohol addiction can also find support at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.