Robert Hardy Dead: ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Dies, Aged 91

He also enjoyed a hugely successful TV career.
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Actor Robert Hardy has died at the age of 91, his family have confirmed.

A statement from them (via the Sun) explains their “great sadness” at Robert’s death, praising his “tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years”.

Robert Hardy
Robert Hardy
PA Archive/PA Images

In a separate statement issued to the BBC, his children Emma, Justine and Paul say: “Dad is also remembered as a meticulous linguist, a fine artist, a lover of music and a champion of literature, as well a highly respected historian, and a leading specialist on the longbow.

“He was an essential part of the team that raised the great Tudor warship The Mary Rose.

“Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work.”

Robert as the Minister for Magic
Robert as the Minister for Magic
Warner Bros

The British star is best-known for playing Cornelius Fudge in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and starring in TV series ‘All Creatures Great And Small’.

His career in the entertainment industry began back in 1951 and in the decades that followed he became a well-known and much-loved star.

Many fans will recognise him from shows including ‘Hot Metal’, which ran from 1986 to 1989, and 1994 series ‘Middlemarch’.

Robert also portrayed Winston Churchill nine separate times, in television series ‘The Woman He Loved’ and ‘The Wilderness’, as well as on the West End stage.

Robert as Churchill in 'The Woman He Loved', alongside Anthony Andrews as the Prince Of Wales
Robert as Churchill in 'The Woman He Loved', alongside Anthony Andrews as the Prince Of Wales
ITV/REX/Shutterstock

He is survived by his three children and numerous grandchildren.

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