diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
index d4ddf53cd0..638feeef37 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/character.cpp
@@ -607,6 +607,8 @@ CharacterController::CharacterController(const MWWorld::Ptr &ptr, MWRender::Anim
 
     if(mDeathState == CharState_None)
         refreshCurrentAnims(mIdleState, mMovementState, true);
+
+    mAnimation->runAnimation(0.f);
 }
 
 CharacterController::~CharacterController()