March 11, 2025, 02:27 AM PDT – The entertainment world is grieving after Simon Fisher-Becker, the British actor renowned for his roles in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Doctor Who, passed away on Sunday, March 9, at the age of 63. Known to many as a Harry Potter actor who died recently, Fisher-Becker leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances that spanned film, television, and theater, touching fans across generations.
His husband, Anthony Dugdale, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing, “At 2:50 this afternoon, Simon passed away.” No cause of death has been disclosed, but the announcement was confirmed by Fisher-Becker’s manager, Kim Barry of Jaffrey Management, who told CNN, “I lost not only a client, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing.” Barry highlighted his diverse talents, noting he was also a writer, raconteur, and public speaker who was “kind, gracious, and interested in everyone.”
Simon Fisher-Becker Harry Potter fans will remember him as the Fat Friar, Hufflepuff’s cheerful resident ghost, in the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a role that introduced him to a global audience within the iconic wizarding franchise. He also became a fan favorite as Dorium Maldovar, a blue-skinned black marketeer, in three episodes of Doctor Who during seasons 5 and 6. Reflecting on the role in a 2014 interview with The Lancashire Telegraph, he said, “Maldovar changed everything,” opening doors after years as a jobbing actor. He later reprised the character in audio dramas like Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Chronicles and Jenny – The Doctor’s Daughter, as noted by Variety.
Beyond these franchises, Simon Fisher-Becker’s career was expansive, including British classics like One Foot in the Grave and Afterlife, as well as the BBC comedy Puppy Love. He also appeared in the 2012 Oscar-winning film Les Misérables, contributing to the ensemble in the song “Master of the House.” His later work featured the sci-fi drama Waterside and voice roles in podcasts, with his final credit in 2024’s Jenny – The Doctor’s Daughter, per The New York Times.
Born in London in 1961, Fisher-Becker discovered acting through a school production of Oliver Twist. After a varied early career, a 2009 attack sidelined him from stage work but led to his Doctor Who audition—a turning point he cherished, as reported by the NY Post. His warmth and versatility endeared him to colleagues and fans, with Barry extending condolences to his husband, Tony, his brother, nieces, nephews, and legion of fans.
Fisher-Becker’s passing marks another loss for the Harry Potter community. His contributions to both magical and sci-fi worlds will live on through his work.
