British actor Robert Hardy passed away earlier today (August 3) at the age of 91.
Hardy was best known for playing the role of Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter film franchise, appearing in The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix.
In addition to his Harry Potter fame, Hardy sustained a 70-year-plus career in acting across film, television and the stage. Some of his other notable roles include Siegfried Farnon on All Creatures Great and Small and multiple onscreen portrayals of Winston Churchill.
A statement from the late actor's family [via the BBC] reads: "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."
His children, Emma, Justine and Paul added, "Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well as a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow."
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from friends, colleagues and fans of Hardy. See a selection of those condolences below.
Hardy was best known for playing the role of Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter film franchise, appearing in The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix.
In addition to his Harry Potter fame, Hardy sustained a 70-year-plus career in acting across film, television and the stage. Some of his other notable roles include Siegfried Farnon on All Creatures Great and Small and multiple onscreen portrayals of Winston Churchill.
A statement from the late actor's family [via the BBC] reads: "Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work."
His children, Emma, Justine and Paul added, "Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well as a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow."
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from friends, colleagues and fans of Hardy. See a selection of those condolences below.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Hardy, who played Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/S1DscwlDtX
— Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) August 3, 2017
R.I.P Robert Hardy. Such a lovely man. Thoughts are with his family at this terrible time 🙏❤️ https://t.co/2heYDvqrYa
— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) August 3, 2017
We are very sorry to hear of the death of Robert Hardy, who acted with us in the 40s & 50s incl this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream pic.twitter.com/VGmURonsFj
— The RSC (@TheRSC) August 3, 2017
BBC news tells me Robert Hardy, the Minister of Magic has died. Terribly sad. He was a very kind man who told wonderful stories. xx
— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) August 3, 2017
