The Wizarding World lost another legend! Leslie Phillips, who voiced the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter films, has died at 98. His representative told the BBC that the beloved actor died peacefully in his sleep on Monday night. The actor’s wife, Zara Carr, shared, “I’ve lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman.”
While Phillips is most known for his voice in the U.S., he’s a well-known star in the U.K., having starred in four of the Carry-On franchise movies between 1959 and 1960. He made his first film appearance in the 1930s. “He was quite simply a national treasure,” his wife continued to The Sun. “People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went.”
For the unversed, Phillips voiced the Sorting Hat in three Harry Potter movies: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 (2011). However, in the wake of his death, tributes have come pouring in for the British film icon, who appeared in over 150 films. Piers Morgan described him as a “wonderful character and superb comedy actor.”
Tony Maudsley, who stars in the British daytime soap opera Coronation Street, said working with Phillips was a “joy.” Meanwhile, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, who exchanged messages with Phillips online, said he “always liked his pater”. Phillips’ death comes just weeks after news of fellow Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane’s death at the age of 72.
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J.K. Rowling called the Hagrid actor “an incredible talent,” saying she’ll “never know anyone remotely like Robbie again.” Tributes from the rest of the cast also reflected Hagrid’s role in their lives as young actors. Tom Felton also rushed to social media to extend their condolences and tributes to the late star. Tom Felton shared a very sweet photo of himself with Robbie Coltrane, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint and penned an emotional note.