Robert Hardy dead: Harry Potter star dies age 91
ROBERT HARDY has passed away at the age of 91, his family has confirmed.
Robert Hardy dead: Harry Potter star dies age 91
Robert Hardy starred as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films
A statement from his family read: "It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Hardy CBE today announced his death, following a tremendous life: a giant career in theatre, television and film spanning more than 70 years."
His children, Justine, Emma and Paul added: "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 passed away at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors on the outskirts of London.
Robert Hardy has passed away at the age of 91
The actor is well-known for his role as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge
The actor is well-known for his role as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter franchise and All Creatures Great and Small.
Author JK Rowling has paid tribute online, writing: “So very sad to hear about Robert Hardy. He was such a talented actor and everybody who worked with him on Potter loved him.”
He began his career starring as Sicinius opposite Laurence Olivier in Coriolanus at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Robert's first continuing role was as businessman Alec Stewart in BBC drama Troubleshooters, which he appeared in from 1966 to 1970.
Robert made appearances in Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years
He went on to make appearances in Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years.
His voice performance as Robin Hood in Tale Spinner For Children from the 1960s is considered one of the best Robin Hood renditions.
In 1981, Robert was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
In 1981, Robert was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Robert married his first wife Elizabeth Fox in 1952 and they had a son Paul together before they divorced in 1956.
He went on to wed Sally Pearson in 1961 but their marriage ended in 1986.
He has two other children, Justine and Emma.
In February 2013, Robert withdrew from a scheduled performance as Winston Churchill in Peter Morgan's play, The Audience, after he suffered cracked ribs due to a fall.