Harry Potter actor Robert Hardy, known for his role as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, passes away

Actor Robert Hardy, a familiar face on British television who also played the minister of magic in the Harry Potter franchise, has died aged 91, his family announced on. [caption id=“attachment_3895223” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Robert Hardy in Harry Potter. Image via Facebook[/caption] “It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE on 3 August announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years,” a statement from his children Emma, Justine and Paul said. They added, “Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work.” The announcement further described Hardy 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”. Born in 1925, Hardy started his career at 24 in a stage adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, the first of many theatre roles. He was also part of several long-standing television shows, including the BBC’s famed All Creatures Great and Small, which ran for 12 years. The Bafta-nominated actor later appeared in the Harry Potter films as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, beginning with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002. He reprised the role in 2004’s Prisoner of Azkaban, 2005’s Goblet of Fire, and 2007’s Order of the Phoenix. Harry Potter author JK Rowling tweeted expressing grief over Hardy’s demise:

So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 3, 2017

Hardy was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) — one of Britain’s highest honours — in 1981 for his services to acting. (With inputs from agencies)