British actor Simon Fisher-Becker, known for his roles in “Harry Potter” and “Doctor Who,” has died at the age of 63. His passing on March 9, 2025, was confirmed by his manager, Kim Barry of Jaffrey Management, and by his husband, Tony Dugdale.
“Today I lost not only a client in Simon Fisher-Becker, but a close personal friend of 15 years standing,” Barry told The Post in a statement.
Fisher-Becker was perhaps best known for portraying the Fat Friar ghost in the 2001 film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” His character was Hufflepuff House’s resident ghost in the film, which was titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the UK.
Barry spoke fondly of the actor’s diverse talents beyond the screen, sharing that he was also a writer and an excellent public speaker.
Tony Dugdale confirmed the news through a post on Fisher-Becker’s Facebook account.
Born on November 25, 1961, in London, England, Fisher-Becker built a diverse acting career across stage, television, and film. While his appearance as the Fat Friar in the first Harry Potter film brought him recognition with global audiences, he was equally known for his role as Dorium Maldovar in the BBC’s “Doctor Who” series, appearing in Seasons 5 and 6.
His portrayal of Dorium Maldovar continued beyond the television series, as he reprised the role in audio dramas including “Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Chronicles” and “Jenny — The Doctor’s Daughter” in 2018 and 2021, extending his connection with the beloved franchise.
Fisher-Becker’s talents extended to many other British television productions. He played Tony Fazackerley in the 2014 BBC comedy series “Puppy Love.” His extensive television credits included appearances in classic British shows such as “One Foot in the Grave,” “The Bill,” “Love Soup,” “Afterlife,” “Doctors,” and “Getting On.”
His film career included a role in the 2012 Oscar-winning film “Les Misérables” as part of the ensemble cast. Other film appearances included “Arrivederci Millwall,” “Beg!,” “Sweet Thing,” and most recently, the 2023 thriller “Disaster Dates 2.”
According to his IMDb profile, Fisher-Becker described himself as a character actor with a forte in comedy but equally at home with drama. His extensive experience spanned the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry, from Shakespeare to pantomime, and included work in film, television, radio, and web series.
Beyond acting, Fisher-Becker developed and performed his own one-man shows and was active as a motivational speaker. His IMDb profile noted that he “could conduct a full Symphony and Choir,” highlighting his diverse range of talents.
At the time of his death, Fisher-Becker had several projects in the pipeline. These included roles in the comedy-drama “Henry House,” the TV movie “Humber City: The Rising Tide,” and the films “Welcome to Paradise” and “The Director,” indicating that his career remained active until his passing.
The news of Fisher-Becker’s death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Dominic G. Martin, a fellow actor, remembered him as a “legend” in the “Doctor Who” fan community. Martin noted that friends who had worked with Fisher-Becker spoke highly of his character, emphasizing his positive impact on those around him.
Big Finish Productions, the company responsible for producing “Doctor Who” audio dramas in which Fisher-Becker participated, also expressed their condolences, recognizing his contribution to the expansion of the Doctor Who universe beyond television.
While Fisher-Becker’s passing has left a void in the British entertainment industry and among fans of the franchises he contributed to, his legacy lives on through his memorable performances across various media formats. No cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
