Showbiz

Harry Potter and Doctor Who star dies aged 63 as tributes pour in for the beloved actor

Harry Potter and Doctor Who star dies aged 63 as tributes pour in for the beloved actor

Harry Potter star Simon Fisher-Becker has died at the age of 63, his agent has announced.

Jaffrey Management agent Kim Barry confirmed that Simon – renowned for his recurring role in Doctor Who – pᴀssed away on Sunday.

Simon is best-known for starring alongside Matt Smith as Crespallion black markeeter Dorium Maldovar in the fifth and sixth series of the BBC sci-fi franchise.

He also famously portrayed ghost The Fat Friar in the 2001 adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

A statement given to MailOnline confirmed: ‘Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing.

‘I shall never forget the phone call I made to him when he was offered the part of Dorium Moldovar in BBC’s Dr Who.

Harry Potter star Simon Fisher-Becker (pictured) has died at the age of 63, his agent has announced

Harry Potter star Simon Fisher-Becker (pictured) has died at the age of 63, his agent has announced

Simon is best-known for starring alongside Matt Smith as Crespallion black markeeter Dorium Maldovar in the fifth and sixth series of the BBC sci-fi franchise

Simon is best-known for starring alongside Matt Smith as Crespallion black markeeter Dorium Maldovar in the fifth and sixth series of the BBC sci-fi franchise

‘Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was kind, gracious and interested in everyone.

‘My condolences go to his husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews and his legion of fans.’

His husband Tony Dugdale also shared the news to the actor’s Facebook page and was flooded with tributes from devastated fans.

He penned: ‘Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon’s husband. I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon Simon pᴀssed away.

‘I’ll be keeping this account open for a while. I’m not sure at this point if I’ll be posting again. Thank you.’

Many longtime fans were quick to send their condolences to Tony as they posted heartfelt tributes to the actor.

Messages included: ‘Quite saddened to hear this news. Simon Fisher-Becker was always amazing in everything he did. We’ve lost a shining light!’;

‘So sad to hear about the pᴀssing of Simon Fisher-Becker aka Dorium Maldovar from #DoctorWho. Thoughts to family and friends. He will be missed. #RIP’;

He also famously portrayed ghost The Fat Friar in the 2001 adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

He also famously portrayed ghost The Fat Friar in the 2001 adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Scenes from the movie saw Simon emerge as the ghost from the floor of the Great Hall as fans were introduced to the magical world of Harry Potter on screen for the first time

Scenes from the movie saw Simon emerge as the ghost from the floor of the Great Hall as fans were introduced to the magical world of Harry Potter on screen for the first time 

‘Oh no, sorry to hear about Simon Fisher-Becker. Loved him in Doctor Who and he seemed such a nice guy. RIP.’;

‘Simon Fisher-Becker was a lovely person. As an actor he knew the privilege in entertaining others, giving his best be it while acting or while meeting fans. A loss to many, RIP.’

Rocking Horse Media, who worked with Simon on comedy/drama series Henry House, also shared a message to Facebook after his pᴀssing.

They penned: ‘We were devastated to learn last night about the loss of our friend & collaborator, Simon Fisher-Becker.

It was an honour to have Simon play Jasper Henry in the TV pilot for our care home comedy drama, Henry House; which we have been fortunate enough to attract a lot of famous ”names” to be a part of.

‘However, we will never forget that not only was Simon himself the first ”name” we were lucky enough to cast; but it was his guidance and support that allowed us to cast a number of our other stars. Thank you, Simon.

‘Our thoughts go out to his husband Tony and other loved ones at this difficult time. The Henry House Family has you all in its hearts.’

During his three-decade-long career, Simon racked up an array of TV credits while he also became an esteemed stage actor.

Simon (pictured in November 2013) appeared in classic TV shows including One Foot in the Grave, The Bill and Doctors, as well as Love Soup and Getting On

Simon (pictured in November 2013) appeared in classic TV shows including One Foot in the Grave, The Bill and Doctors, as well as Love Soup and Getting On

He notably portrayed blue-skinned character Dorium in Doctor Who when he is beheaded before he then reappears as a living, breathing head (pictured) in a later episode

He notably portrayed blue-skinned character Dorium in Doctor Who when he is beheaded before he then reappears as a living, breathing head (pictured) in a later episode 

He appeared in classic TV shows including One Foot in the Grave, The Bill and Doctors, as well as Love Soup and Getting On.

Simon then took on the role of Hufflepuff House’s resident ghost, The Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter movie.

He didn’t reprise his role in the seven movies following as the Hogwarts’ ghosts’ roles were much reduced compared to their central roles in JK Rowling’s novels.

Simon then appeared in Doctor Who’s fifth and sixth series, starring as blue-skinned character Dorium Maldovar alongside Matt Smith’s incarnation of The Doctor.

Dorium meets an untimely end when he is beheaded in A Good Man Goes to War, but he reappears as a living disembodied head in The Wedding of River Song.

He plays a central role in the episode as he listens to The Doctor plot how he plans to escape his inevitable death, despite Dorium warning him of the consequences.

Simon also had a small role in the Oscar-winning 2012 film Les Misérables as he appeared among the ensemble during the song Master of the House.

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