It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Simon Fisher-Becker, a beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Harry Potter and Doctor Who. Simon, who passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 63, leaves behind a rich legacy of memorable performances on both the big and small screens.
He was a cherished figure in the fandoms of both Doctor Who and Harry Potter, and his death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike.
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The Announcement of Simon Fisher-Becker’s Passing
The news of Simon’s death was shared by his husband, Tony, in a heartfelt Facebook post. Tony wrote a simple yet emotional message, informing followers that Simon passed away at 2:50 p.m. on March 9.
In his post, Tony expressed his sorrow and mentioned that he would keep the account open for a while, though he was uncertain about future posts.
“Hello everyone. This is Tony, Simon’s husband. I have some very sad news. At 2:50 this afternoon, Simon passed away. I’ll be keeping this account open for a while. I’m not sure at this point if I’ll be posting again. Thank you.”
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Shortly after the announcement, Simon’s manager and close friend, Kim Barry, issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly. Barry spoke of Simon’s incredible impact, not just as a professional, but as a friend.
“Today, I lost not only a client Simon Fisher-Becker but a close personal friend of 15 years standing. I shall never forget the phone call I made to him when he was offered the part of ‘Dorium’ in Dr Who. He had been a fan of the show since he was a child. Simon was also a writer, a raconteur and a great public speaker. He helped me out enormously and was always kind, gracious and interested in everyone. My condolences go to his Husband Tony, his brother, nieces and nephews and his legion of fans.”
Iconic Roles in Doctor Who and Harry Potter
Simon Fisher-Becker was most widely known for his portrayal of Dorium Maldovar in Doctor Who. Dorium, a charismatic and morally ambiguous character, quickly became a fan favorite, with Simon’s unique performance leaving a lasting impression.
His role in Doctor Who was a standout part of his career, cementing his place in the hearts of Whovians around the world.
In the Harry Potter series, Simon played the character of the Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The Fat Friar, a jovial and kind-hearted ghost of Hogwarts, greeted students with warmth and humor, bringing a touch of lightheartedness to the magical world.
His portrayal of this beloved character was a charming addition to the Harry Potter universe, and it left fans with fond memories of his performance.
Simon’s career spanned over thirty years, and his talents weren’t confined to these two major franchises. He also appeared in numerous television shows such as Hale and Pace, One Foot in the Grave, 99-1, and Getting On, as well as films like An Ungentlemanly Act (1992) and Looking For Alfred (2005). His versatility as an actor allowed him to create a wide range of characters, each with his own distinct personality.
Tributes and the Loss of a Legend
Simon’s passing is a deep loss to the world of entertainment, and especially to the Doctor Who and Harry Potter communities.
His performances in both franchises helped shape the worlds fans have come to know and love. Tragically, Simon is not the only actor from the Harry Potter franchise to pass away in recent years.
Dame Maggie Smith, who portrayed Professor McGonagall, passed away in 2024 at the age of 89, while Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore, died in 2023. Additionally, Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid, passed away in 2022, and several other Harry Potter cast members have also passed.
As the news of Simon’s death spreads, fans have shared their grief and fond memories online, honoring his legacy as both an actor and a kind-hearted individual.
While the cause of Simon’s death has not yet been officially released, the entertainment world mourns his passing. Whether an autopsy is performed or the cause will remain private is unknown at this time. Regardless of the circumstances, Simon’s contributions to the worlds of Doctor Who and Harry Potter, as well as his vast body of work across film and television, will continue to live on.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Simon’s husband, Tony, his family, and his friends. May Simon Fisher-Becker rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and bring joy to all who knew him, both on-screen and off.
