Robert Hardy, the esteemed actor who portrayed Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in four of the eight Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 91, to the sorrow of many Harry Potter fans.
Hardy had an illustrious career long before he joined the magical cast. His work earned him several acting award nominations, and his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years won him a Broadcasting Press Guild Award.
“Gruff, elegant, twinkly, and always dignified, he is celebrated by all who knew him and loved him, and everyone who enjoyed his work,” Hardy’s family said in a statement to the BBC.
Chris Rankin, the actor who played Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter series, also shared a fond remembrance.
https://twitter.com/chrisrankin/status/893125614387044352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fentertainment-arts-40818839
Hardy is best known in the U.S. for his portrayal of the strict, politically minded, and occasionally contentious Minister Fudge. While Fudge had a tenuous relationship with Harry, especially in later parts of the series, Hardy acted the role tremendously. Hardy’s Fudge was not outright villainous, but rather a complicated man in a role of responsibility that faced ever more terrifying challenges.
Hardy’s Fudge and his many other contributions to the cinematic world will be sorely missed.
H/T Bustle