‘Harry Potter’ actor Dave Legeno, who appeared as the villainous werewolf character Fenrir Greyback in the hit wizarding film series, has died at the age of 50.
The Mirror has confirmed that the actor, who was also a mixed martial arts expert, is thought to have died of heat-related issues while out hiking in the California desert. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Dave Legeno
Dave was discovered by a group of hikers on Sunday in Death Valley, California, with his agent confirming the news of his death on Friday afternoon.
As well as his role in three of the later films in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, Dave also took on grittier roles during his career such as in Guy Ritchie’s ‘Snatch’ and ‘Big Fat Gypsy Gangster’, also starring in ‘Snow White And The Huntsman’ opposite Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.
In addition to his acting career, Dave was an accomplished fighter, and was an expert in boxing, wrestling, judo and Jiu-jitsu.
Dave alongside Helena Bonham Carter as Fenrir in 'Harry Potter'
According to his IMDB page, he became a professional wrestler after studying performing arts in his younger years, which led to him landing his first film role in the gangster film ‘Snatch’. His wrestling name had been 'Lone Wolf', an interesting coincidence given the part he would go on to play in 'Harry Potter'. He had put his fighting career on hold after landing his part in the ‘Harry Potter’ films.
He is survived by one daughter, who is in her twenties.
