Actor John Rhys-Davies turns down Hobbit film role

WORLD-FAMOUS Ammanford actor John Rhys-Davies, who starred as Gimli the dwarf in the smash-hit Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, has revealed that he will not star in the forthcoming prequel.

Davies, who helped to give the series based on Tolkien's classic novel many of its most comic and memorable moments, says he will not be donning the make-up to play a character in the long-awaited film The Hobbit.

He said: "I've been asked and to be honest with you, I wouldn't.

"I have already completely ruled it out.

"There's a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. But really, I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more."

Davies, aged 64, who starred in other smash hits such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and King Solomon's Mines, has a two-year-old daughter, Maia.

When prompted further on the possibility of a cameo role, Mr Davies said: "Why would you want to do it if it was just a couple of shots?

But he was asked if he was interested in returning.

Davies said:"It was just a gentle 'How would you feel about putting it on again?'

"But no. I'd really prefer to play something quite different. Maybe an Elf.

"They've got a different set of problems with The Hobbit because you've got 13 dwarves, a whole band of them.

"You're trying to do for the dwarves what The Lord of the Rings did for hobbits."