The world of film lost a star. Actor Simon Fisher-Becker, best known for his roles in Harry Potter and Doctor Who, died aged 63.
The news of his passing was announced by his husband, Tony, via a post through the late actor’s social media account.
“Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon’s husband,” the post read. “I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon Simon passed 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.”
His manager, Kim Barry, also confirmed the death of the actor.
“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 Maldovar in BBC’s Doctor Who,” Barry told the New York Post. “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 acting career spanned decades.
Besides his iconic roles of the Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the blue-skinned intergalactic black marketeer in Doctor Who, Simon Fisher-Becker made several notable appearances in beloved British television programs such as One Foot in the Grave, The Bill, and Doctors.
He also had a small part in the Oscar-winning film Les Misérables.
Tributes poured in, with fellow actors and fans expressing their sadness over Fisher-Becker’s sudden passing.
“His stage routine was one of the funniest things I’ve heard in ages. A dear man who valued his audiences. RIP Simon, shine on,” a fan posted.
“Really sad news. I met him at a con a few years ago and he was really lovely,” another shared.
“Incredibly upsetting to hear. What’s lovely is that both Dorium and the maldovarium/maldovar market are plastered all over the Moffat era of Doctor who. He’ll never be forgotten,” a third fan expressed their sorrow.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Rest in peace, Simon Fisher-Becker.
