Simon Fisher-Becker, Beloved Character Actor, Has Passed Away at 63

Simon Fisher-Becker, a British actor widely recognized for his roles in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Doctor Who, died on March 9, 2025, at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Fisher-Becker was best known to global audiences as the portly and jolly character of the Fat Friar, the Hufflepuff House ghost in the Harry Potter film series. Though his screen time was brief, his role contributed to the magical atmosphere of the Hogwarts world and gave Hufflepuff House a memorable on-screen presence.

He was also well-known to science fiction fans for playing Dorium Maldovar, the blue-skinned information dealer in Doctor Who. His character appeared in multiple episodes during Matt Smith’s tenure as the Eleventh Doctor, particularly in key episodes such as “The Pandorica Opens” and “The Wedding of River Song.” Dorium’s role was central to major plot developments, and Fisher-Becker’s performance was praised for its wit, presence, and charm.

Born on November 25, 1961, in London, England, Simon Fisher-Becker trained at drama school and began working in theatre and television in the 1980s. He built a career playing eccentric, often humorous characters and became a familiar face to audiences across the U.K.

In addition to his roles in major franchises, he appeared in a variety of British TV shows and films, including Afterlife, Love Soup, and Doctors. He was also active in stage productions throughout his life and was known for his one-man shows and fan convention appearances, where he discussed his career and shared stories with devoted fans.

Fisher-Becker was open about his challenges as a plus-sized actor and was a passionate advocate for representation in the entertainment industry. He embraced his uniqueness and often spoke about breaking stereotypes through performance.

He remained active until shortly before his death, engaging with fans online and participating in various independent projects. Tributes have poured in from the Doctor Who and Harry Potter fan communities, as well as fellow actors and colleagues, who remembered him as generous, funny, and deeply dedicated to his craft.

Simon Fisher-Becker is survived by family and close friends. Memorial details have not yet been shared publicly.

His legacy lives on through two of the most beloved franchises in modern popular culture. With every appearance, he brought personality and humor to the screen, leaving a lasting mark on audiences around the world.